Role of Biofertilizer in Biological Management of Fungal Diseases of Pigeon Pea [(Cajanus cajan) (L.) Millsp.]

Abstract

Pigeon pea [(Cajanus cajan) (L.) Millsp.], commonly known as red gram or tur dal, holds the second position as pulse crop in India which is also a vital food legume crop in semi-arid regions worldwide. It is a highly essential component of our diet because of its high protein content. The crop has a prominent difference between the potential and actual yield, and this huge difference is because of the number of biotic and abiotic factors on the crop which includes shortage of improved quality cultivars in pigeon pea-growing regions. The major biotic stresses that limit pigeon pea production include various fungal pathogens, but out of them, only a few fungal diseases like fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium udum Butler. Phytophthora blight caused by Phytophthora drechsleri Tucker f. sp. cajani, Macrophomina root rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid and Alternaria blight caused by Alternaria alternata are responsible for the substantial damage of the crop. Various techniques are involved in the suppression of plant pathogens and for improving the quality and quantity of the crop. Biocontrol agents, such as Trichoderma sp., Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. individually and in microbial consortium, not only reduce the disease severity but also enhance the growth and productivity of the crop. Based on these beneficial plant-microbe interactions and their mode of action against plant pathogens, bioformulations of microbial consortium can be used as biofertilizers and also as plant strengtheners. The present study discusses the lasting solution by exploiting the best biotechnological approaches for the development of economically viable and sustainable effective management of fungal diseases of pigeon pea.