Effect of soil solarization on the survival of soil mycoflora with special reference to the control of chickpea (Cicer arietinum Linn*) wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri Schlecht. Emend. Snyd. & Hans. [S & H, M & C]

Abstract

For the last many years pathologist around the world are trying to evolve non-monetary and environment friendly methods to control the soil bom pathogens. Pakistan is an agricultural country with poor yield of cash crops due to many environmental constraints, the pathogens, been the most important, However, in our country this aspect of scientific research has not yet attained due attention. Therefore the present investigation was carried out for the biological control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri the cause of chickpea wilt to achieve this goal, soil solarization technique was exploited by using tarping single and double layer polyethylene sheets. Both techniques were found effective for the control of Fusarium oxysporum f sp. ciceri however, desirable results for the control of the target pathogen were achieved under double layer of polyethylene sheet. It seems to be due to high temperature achieved under this treatment, as Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri remained unable to tolerate the situation. This cultural method may prove effective against, the control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri for field application in our agro-eco systems and will be helpful to save a huge amount of foreign exchange spent for the import of fungicides.