Author(s):
BAU-Biofungicide (Trichoderma based preparation), extracts of garlic (Allium sativum L.) and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), Bavistin DF (Carbendazim) (positive control-1) and Potent 250 EC (Propiconazole) (positive control-2) were tested in controlling brown spot and sheath blight diseases of rice cv BRRI dhan29. Significant reduction in mycelial growth of Bipolaris oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani was observed with BAU-Biofungicide (2%) In vitro condition and reduced disease severity of brown spot and sheath blight was noted in the field. BAUBiofungicide (2%) exhibited grain yield 6325 kg/ha and propiconazole (0.1%) marked the highest (6470 kg/ha) grain yield, while the lowest yield (5120 kg/ha) was attained in control plot. Total cost of production (40851/-) per hectare was obtained in Potent (0.1%) and BAU-Biofungicide (2%) conferred 41260/-as compared to Potent (0.1%). Seed borne pathogen of harvested seeds was greatly diminished due to foliar spray of BAU-Biofungicide and Trichoderma harzianum was evidently viable in harvested seeds of sprayed plot with BAU-Biofungicide. BAU-Biofungicide (3%) also resulted in improving maximum vigour index (2284.10) in treated seeds. The results of the study assemble to the further investigation of Trichoderma as an antagonist in improving rice resistance, yield and quality of seed.