Management of black scurf of potato with effective microbes (EM), biological potassium fertilizer (BPF) and Trichoderma harzianum

The efficacy of soil application with microbial preparations viz. Trichoderma harzianum, effective microbe (EM) culture and biological potassium fertilizer (BPF) was evaluated for the management of soil-borne inoculum of Rhizoctonia solani the cause of black scurf of potato cv. Desiree. Soil application with three dosages of culture suspension of T. harzianum, effective microbe (EM) culture and biological potassium fertilizer (BPF) were applied in the soil to know the efficacy of these treatments in reducing the disease. Soil application with T. harzianum at the time of sowing followed by two and three dosages at 20 days intervals gave significant protection to eyes with EGI of 30.55%, SK 24.07%, SCI 36.10%, StCI 30.60%, BSDI 26.43% and YR of 35.09% against the fungus which ultimately contributed to better crop stand and increased yield as compared to inoculated control and rest of the treatments.