Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important pulse crop in semi-arid regions of the Rajasthan and is a less expensive source of protein. It faces various constraints such as biotic and abiotic factors i.e., soil borne fungi causing damping off, root rots, wilt and collar rot. An on farm trial (OFT) was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dausa during 2016-17 and 2017-18 in different villages of Dausa district of Rajasthan. During the crop season of 2015-16, a preliminary survey was conducted in Bandikui, Dausa, Lalsot, Lawan and Sikrai blocks of Dausa. The maximum disease incidence 13.7 per cent was observed in Bandikui block followed by Dausa (11.3%) while lowest disease incidence was observed in Lalsot block (5.2). Most of the farmers do not practice proper seed treatment as per the recommendations. Bio-formulation of Trichoderma viride was used as inoculants in seed treatment. Seeds were treated with Trichoderma viride @ 2.5g/kg seed and Thiram @ 2.5g/kg + Carbendazim 1.0 g/kg seed. The disease incidence in this technology was 1.78 and 2.4 per cent as observed in 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively. The disease incidence in farmers practice was 15.6 and 16.4 per cent in 2016-17 and 2017-18 respectively. The grain yield in 2016-17 in tested technology was 18.29 q/ha in comparison with farmers practice which was 14.9 q/ha experiencing 22.75 per cent increase in grain yield. In 2017-18 the grain yield was 17.89 and 12.85 q/ha in technology tested and farmers practice respectively. The increase in yield was 39.22 per cent

On farm trial (OFT), Farmer’s practice, Soil borne, root rot, wilt, biocontrol, seed treatment

The root rot and wilt diseases were prevalent in all chickpea growing blocks in Dausa district of Rajasthan. The technology tested was very effective in management of soil borne diseases as integration of biological and chemical seed treatment.

R.L. Meena, B.L. Jat and Akshay Chittora (2024). Management of Wilt and Root Rot Diseases of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) through Seed Treatment in Semi-Arid Regions of Rajasthan. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(6): 148-151.