ABSTRACT:

Biocontrol agents for the control of plant pathogenic microorganisms, especially fungi, are widely used to reduce the health hazards of pesticides. These microbial antagonists not only control the growth of pathogens but also promote the growth of plants. The development of pesticide-tolerant strains of biocontrol agents, with reduced doses of pesticides, enables them to control more effectively than alone. The current study provides the development of tolerance in Trichoderma harzianum with fungicides, viz. Topsin-M and Carbendazim reduce chemical use in the field and provide an eco-friendly environment. Initially, Topsin-M and Carbendazim inhibit the growth of T. harzianum even @ 0.1 and 0.01 ppm, respectively, but after a gradual increase in the concentration of fungicides with repeated sub-culturing, tolerance was developed in T. harzianum, and it is able to grow on media amended with Topsin-M and Carbendazim even @ 10,000 ppm. Inhibition of pathogens more strongly with dual action, i.e., reducing the dose of pesticides with tolerant strains of T. harzianum.

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