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Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola
Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola was established on 20th October, 1969 with its head-quarter at Akola. This Agricultural University was named after the illustrious son of Vidarbha Dr. Panjabrao (alias Bhausaheb) Deshmukh, who was the Minister for Agriculture,Govt. of India. The jurisdiction of this university is spread over the eleven districts of Vidarbha. According to the University Act 1983 (of the Government of Maharashtra), the University is entrusted with the responsibility of agricultural education, research and extension education alongwith breeder and foundation seed programme.
The University has its main campus at Akola. The instructional programmes at main campus are spread over in 5 Colleges namely, College of Agriculture, College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology, College of Forestry, College of Horticulture and Post Graduate Institute. At this campus 4 degree programmes namely B.Sc.(Agri.) B.Sc. (Hort.), B.Sc. (Forestry) and B.Tech. (Ag. Engg.) , two Master’s Degree Programmes viz. M.Sc.(Agri.) and M.Tech. (Agri.Engg.) and Doctoral Degree Programmes in the faculties of Agriculture and Agril. Engineering are offered.
The University has its sub-campus at Nagpur with constituent College, College of Agriculture which offers B.Sc.(Agri.) and M.Sc.(Agri.) degree programmes. The Nagpur Campus is accomplished with a garden, surrounded by its natural beauty and a well established Zoo which attract the general public and visitors to the city. A separate botanic Garden is being maintained on 22 hectares with a green house for the benefit of research workers.
In addition there are 2 affiliated grant-in-aid colleges and 14 private non-grant-in-aid colleges under the umbrella of this University
A Central Research Station is situated at the main Campus which caters to the need of research projects undertaken by Crop Scientists of the principle crops of the region are Cotton, Sorghum, Oilseeds and Pulses.
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ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF CHITOSAN ON GROWTH AND SEED COTTON YIELD OF COTTON (Gossypium hirsutum L.).(Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2021-09-16) GAWANDE, VAISHNAVI VITTHALRAO.; Rathod, Dr. T. H.The present investigation entitled “Effect of chitosan on growth and seed cotton yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)” was conducted during kharif season, 2020-2021 at Central Demonstration Farm, Wani Rambhapur, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola. The experiment laid out in randomized block design with four replications and seven treatments comprising of different concentrations of chitosan viz., T1 (control), T2 (25 ppm), T3 (50 ppm), T4 (75 ppm), T5 (100 ppm), T6 (125 ppm) and T7 (150 ppm). Sowing of hirsutum cotton variety AKH-09-5 was done on 28th June 2020 by dibbling method at 60 cm × 30 cm (R × P) spacing. Afterwards, all necessary intercultural operations were executed as and when needed. Foliar sprays of chitosan were carried out twice on 35 and 55 DAS. Morphological parameters were recorded at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 DAS and days to 50% flowering was recorded at the proper stage. Physiological parameters were recorded at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 DAS and growth parameters at 30-60, 60-90, 90-120 and 120-150 DAS. Biochemical observation was recorded at 60, 90 and 120 DAS. Yield and yield attributes were recorded at harvest. Parameters on fiber properties were recorded during post-harvest. Results revealed that, significantly maximum values of morphological parameters like plant height (cm), leaf area (dm2), leaf area index; physiological parameters like dry matter production(g), relative water content (%) and growth parameters like crop growth rate (g m-2 day-1), relative growth rate (g g-1 day-1), net assimilation rate (g dm-2 day-1); biochemical parameters like chlorophyll content index (SPAD value); yield and yield attributing parameters like number of sympodial branches, number of bolls, boll weight (g) and seed cotton yield (g) were recorded in treatment T4 (75 ppm chitosan) over control (non treated). Treatment sprayed with 75 ppm chitosan was recorded with the highest per cent increase in yield over control i.e. 28.53 percent. From overall results, it can be concluded that foliar application of chitosan (25, 50, 75, 100, 125 and 150 ppm) induced positive influence on morphological, physiological, biochemical and on yield and yield attributing parameters. However, data recorded represents only one season of cotton crop, so it will require further multilocation confirmation.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF INBRED LINES IN MAIZE.(2021-09-10) DHONGADE, PRATIKSHA PANDURANG.; Kanwade, Dr. D. G.The present investigation entitled “Morpho-physiological characterization of inbred lines in maize” was carried out during rabi 2019-20, at research field of Agriculture Research Station, Buldana. Experiment was laid out in RBD design with three replications and eleven inbred lines. viz., BMI-6-2-2, BMI-28-1, BMI-34-3, BMI-23-1, BVM-21-1, MGT-53-2-1, MGT-53-36, MGT-53-23, MGT-53-24-4, V1543-6-12, V1551-15. Sowing was done by dibbling method on 21st December 2019 with the spacing of 60 x 20 cm. After there all the intercultural operations were performed as and when required. The recommended dose of 120:60:40 NPK kg/ha was applied. Morpho-physiological parameters were recorded at 30,60 DAS and at harvest, days to 50% tasseling and silking was recorded at the proper stage. Growth parameters were recorded at 30-60 and 60-harvest. biochemical parameter was recorded at 30 and 60 DAS. Yield and yield attributes were recorded at harvest. Result revealed that, Significantly maximum values of morphological parameters like plant height (267.37cm at Harvest), leaf area (4052.67cm2 at 60 DAS), leaf area index(3.38) were recorded in Inbred line V1551-15; For Physiological parameters like dry matter production (321.10 g at Harvest), relative water content (72.01% 60DAS) and growth parameters like crop growth rate (3.90 g/day at 30-60), relative growth rate (0.09123 g/g/day at 30-60 DAS), net assimilation rate (0.03043 g/dm2/day at 30-60 DAS); biochemical parameter like chlorophyll content index (53.03 at 60 DAS SPAD values); yield and yield attributing parameters like grain yield (102.46 g/plant) and harvest index (42.99%) were recorded in inbred line MGT-53-2-1. Form the above gained results it can be concluded that the Inbred line V1551-15 was found statistically superior for morphological parameters, Whereas Inbred line MGT-53-2-1 and MGT-53-24-4 was found superior for physiological, biochemical parameters, yield and yield attributes in maize respectively. Hence, they can be further utilized for improving morphological, physiological, growth parameters, yield and yield attributes for further breeding programme in zea mays L.ThesisItem Open Access Title: SEED BORNE FUNGI OF MUNGBEAN AND ITS MANAGEMENT.(Publisher : Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2022-09-28) Authors: DHANDGE, SWAPNIL RAMCHANDRA.; Advisor: Kamble, Miss. Geetanjali A.Abstract: Green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) wiczek) is one of the most important pulse crop in India. It is an important wide spreading, herbaceous, annual, legume pulse crop under the family-leguminoseae. It is an excellent source of easily digestible protein and minerals. It is highly nutrious containing 24% of high-quality protein, 1.3% fats, 56.6% carbohydrates and 3% dietary fibers. It is rich in minerals having 140 mg calcium, 8.4% iron and 280 mg phosphorous. It is grown in arid and semi-arid tropics. Several factors are responsible for low production of green gram. Among them, seed borne diseases play an important role. Hence, assessment and management of seed borne fungi of green gram is important. Green gram seed samples of different varieties viz., Vaibhav, TARM-4, TARM-1, TAP-7, AKM-1228, and PKV AKM-4, PKVM-8802, Utkarsh, Kopergaon, Green gold were collected from Pulses Research Unit and CDF, Vani Rambhapur Dr. PDKV, Akola respectively and used for present studies. Seed samples for detection of seed borne fungi were tested by standard blotter paper method (ISTA, 1996). The seed samples of green gram showed association of eight fungi belonging to six genera viz., Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, Curvularia lunata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. semitectum, Rhizoctonia bataticola, Rhizopus spp. However, among all other seed borne fungi F. oxysporum, F. semitectum, R. bataticola and A. alternata were observed as pre dominant fungi in green gram. Fungicides were tested against seed borne fungi in vitro by employing poisoned food method. Combi product Carboxin + Thiram (0.3%) was found most effective fungicides over all other treatments for arresting the mycelial growth (100%) of all associated seed borne fungi followed by Tebuconazole (0.1%). Among bioagents, Trichoderma asperellum was found most effective against seed borne fungi followed by T. herzianum, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas fluorescens.ThesisItem Open Access EFFICACY OF FOLIAR SPRAYS OF TOCOPHEROL AND MICRONUTRIENTS ON MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS AND YIELD OF CHICKPEA.(Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2019-05-30) A, KU. BLESSEENA.; Deotale, Dr. R. D.The effect of foliar sprays of tocopherol (100 ppm, 200 ppm, 300ppm, 400 ppm and 500 ppm) and micronutrients (ZnSO¬¬¬4 0.5% and FeSO4 0.5%) on the morphophysiological, chemical, biochemical, yield and yield contributing parameters of chickpea variety JAKI 9218 was studied during rabi 2018-2019 at farm of Botany section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. Experiment was laid out in RBD design with three replications and eighteen treatments. Sowing was done by dibbling method on 21st October 2018 at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. Thereafter, all the intercultural operations were done as and when required. The recommended dose of 20 kg N ha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied in all treatments. Spraying of tocopherol and micronutrients was done two times i.e. on 25 and 40 DAS. Morphophysiological parameters such as plant height, leaf area and dry weight of plant were recorded at 25, 45, 65 and 85 DAS. Whereas, number of branches plant-1 was recorded at the time of harvest. RGR and NAR were calculated at 25-45, 45-65 and 65-85 DAS. Plant height was recorded at maturity. Chemical and biochemical parameters like leaf chlorophyll, N, P, K content in leaves, protein content in seed were also estimated at 25, 45, 65 and 85 DAS. Observations on yield and yield contributing parameters like 100 seed weight, number of filled pods plant-1, number of unfilled pods plant-1, seed yield plant-1, plot-1 and ha-1 were recorded. Data obtained from all the observations was statistically analyzed to measure their significance or non-significance. Data revealed that the two foliar sprays of tocopherol (100 ppm) and micronutrient (ZnSO¬¬¬4 0.5%) significantly enhanced morpho-physiological parameters viz., plant height, leaf area, total dry matter production, number of secondary branches plant-1, RGR, NAR, chemical and biochemical parameters viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll in leaf, protein content in seed, yield and yield contributing parameters viz., 100 seed weight, number of filled pods plant-1, number of unfilled pods plant-1, seed yield plant-1, plot-1 and ha-1 over control. Also, by considering B:C ratio treatment T9 (100 ppm tocopherol + 0.5% ZnSO4) was found more effective treatment exhibiting B:C ratio of 2.61 against 1.97 in control and can be considered as most effective and beneficial treatment in chickpea.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF FOLIAR APPLICATION OF HUMIC ACID AND NAPHATHALENE ACETIC ACID (NAA) ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SAFFLOWER (Carthamus tinctorius L.)(Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2019-06-28) HIVARE, VISHAL SHRIDHAR.; Deotale, Dr. R. D.Influence of foliar sprays of humic acid and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) on growth and productivity of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was carried out during rabi 2018-19 in the field of area of section of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. Experiment was conducted in RBD with three replications and twelve treatments. Twelve treatments viz., T1 (Control), T2 (25 ppm NAA), T3 (50 ppm NAA), T4 (300 ppm HA), T5 (400 ppm HA), T6 (500 ppm HA), T7 (25 ppm NAA + 300 ppm HA), T8 (25 ppm NAA + 400 ppm HA), T9 (25 ppm NAA + 500 ppm HA). T10 (50 ppm NAA + 300 ppm HA), T11 (50 ppm NAA + 400 ppm HA) and T12 (50 ppm NAA + 500 ppm HA) were tested. Seeds were sown at the rate of 75 kg ha-1 by dibbling method at a spacing of 45 cm x 20 cm on 26th Sept. 2018 after receiving the sufficient rainfall. Thereafter, all intercultural operations were done as and when required. Spraying of humic acid and NAA was done two times at 40 and 70 DAS with hand sprayer. The observations on morpho-physiological, growth analysis, biochemical and chemical parameters like plant height plant-1, number of braches plant-1, total dry weight plant-1, leaf area plant-1, leaf chlorophyll and N, P, K content in leaves were recorded at 40, 60 80 and 100 DAS respectively. Similarly RGR and NAR were calculated at 40-60, 60-80 and 80-100 DAS. Oil content in seeds also estimated. Observations on yield and yield contributing parameters like number of capitula plant-1, number of seeds capitulum-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield plant-1, plot-1, ha-1 and harvest index were also recorded. Data obtained from all the observations were subjected to statistical analysis. Data revealed that two foliar sprays of 300, 400 and 500 ppm humic acid and 25 and 50 ppm NAA alone or in combination significantly enhanced morpho-physiological parameters viz., plant height, number of branches, leaf area, dry weight of plant, RGR, NAR, chemical and biochemical parameters viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll in leaf and oil content in seed and yield and yield contributing attributes viz., number of capitula plant-1, number of seeds capitulum-1, 1000 seed weight, seed yield plant-1, plot-1 and ha-1 over control. Considering the treatments under study two foliar sprays of 50 ppm NAA + 300 ppm humic acid at 40 and 70 DAS was found to be most effective treatment in improving morpho-physiological, chemical and biochemical, yield and yield contributing paramaters of safflower cv. PKV-Pink and ultimately increased yield by 56.56 per cent over control.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECTIVITY OF FOLIAR SPRAYS OF ASCORBIC ACID AND ZINC SULPHATE ON THE GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF CHICKPEA.(Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2019-07-30) RAUT, DNYANESHWAR AMBADAS.; Deotale, Dr. R. D.The Physiological response of foliar sprays of ascorbic acid (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) and zinc sulphate (0.5%) on the morpho-physiological, chemical, biochemical, yield and yield contributing parameters of chickpea cv. PDKV-Kanchan was studied during rabi 2018-2019 at farm of Botany section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur. Experiment was laid out in RBD design with three replications and ten treatments. Sowing was done by dibbling method on dated 22nd Oct 2018 at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. Thereafter, all the intercultural operations were done as and when required. The recommended dose of 20 kg N ha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied in all treatments. Spraying of ascorbic acid and zinc sulphate was done two times i.e. on 25 and 40 DAS. Observations about morpho-physiological parameters such as plant height, leaf area and dry weight of plant were recorded at 25, 45, 65 and 85 DAS. RGR and NAR were calculated at 25, 45, 65 and 85 DAS. Plant height was recorded at maturity. Chemical and biochemical parameters like leaf chlorophyll, N, P, K content in leaves, protein content in seed were also estimated. Observations on yield and yield contributing parameters like 100 seed weight, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield plant-1 (g), plot-1 (kg) and ha-1 (q) were recorded. All these above mentioned parameters were analyzed statistically. Foliar sprays of ascorbic acid (100, 200, 300 and 400 ppm) and zinc sulphate (0.5%) significantly enhanced morpho-physiological parameters viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, leaf area, dry weight of plant, RGR, NAR, chemical and biochemical parameters viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll in leaf, protein content in seed, yield and yield contributing parameters viz., 100 seed weight, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield plant-1 (g), plot-1 (kg) and ha-1 (q) over control. From overall results, it can be stated that foliar application of ascorbic acid and zinc sulphate with different concentrations improved the morpho-physiological, chemical and biochemical and yield contributing parameters might have helped in attaining better seed yield in the present investigation. The highest per cent increase in yield over control was observed in foliar application of 0.5% zinc + 200 ppm ascorbic acid (T8) i.e. 28.48 % over control (T1). But, considering the B:C ratio foliar application of 0.5% zinc + 200 ppm ascorbic acid was found most effective treatment having B:C ratio of 2.78 as compared to 2.36 in control. Finally on the basis of B:C ratio it is inferred that, spraying plants at 25 and 45 DAS with 0.5% zinc + 200 ppm ascorbic acid could be considered as the most suitable concentration to expect promising improvement regarding the growth parameters, physiological characters and yield quality and quantity of chickpea.ThesisItem Open Access MORPHOPHYSIOLOGICAL TRAITS EVALUATION OF WHEAT GENOTYPES UNDER IRRIGATED AND NON-IRRIGATED CONDITION.(2019-08-28) YELORE, SANKET ASHOKRAO.; Amarshettiwar, Dr. S. B.The present investigation entitled “Morphophysiological traits evaluation of wheat genotypes under irrigated and non-irrigated condition” was carried out in rabi season of 2018-2019 at farm of Botany section, College of agriculture, Nagpur, in split plot design with irrigated and moisture stress condition as main plot treatment with eight wheat genotypes viz., AKAW 4739, AKAW 4901, AKAW 5099, AKAW 5104, AKAW 4927, AKAW 4973-2, AKW 1071, AKW 381 as sub plot treatments. Treatment were replicated thrice. The data was recorded on the basis of different morpho-physiological 45, 60 and 75 DAS, biochemical parameters at anthesis and seven days after anthesis, yield and yield attributing characters at harvest stage. Data revealed that, wheat genotypes AKAW 5104 (3736 kg ha-1), AKW 1071 (3609 kg ha-1) and AKAW 4927 (3408 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher yield and found 35.90 %, 31.28% and 23.97 % respectively, higher over AKAW 4973-2 (2749 kg ha-1) and significantly superior for all the morpho-physiological and biochemical characters viz., higher relative water content, RGR, spike length, number of spikes / m2, flag leaf length and width, leaf area, SMC, CCI (at anthesis and seven days after anthesis), CSI and lower plant height, canopy temperature as compared to wheat genotypes evaluated under moisture stress condition resulted in significantly increase in grain yield of wheat genotypes under study. Among eight genotypes AKAW 4739 (3001 kg ha-1), AKAW 5104 (2929 kg ha-1) and AKW 1071 (2857 kg ha-1) recorded significantly higher grain yield kg ha-1 under moisture stress condition which was 22.89 %, 19.94 % and 16.99 % higher over AKAW 4973-2 (2442 kg ha-1) on the basis of morphophysiological traits viz., higher proline content, CSI, CCI, RWC and lower canopy temperature at anthesis and seven days after anthesis as compared to remaining genotypes and said to be drought tolerant genotypes. Yield and yield attributing characters indicates that yield of wheat genotypes have shown significantly positive correlation with RWC 75 DAS (0.79), proline (0.81) and CSI (0.91) however, plant height at harvest (-0.56) found highly negative correlated with yield. AKAW 5104 and AKW 1071 are identified for both irrigated and moisture stress conditions while AKAW 4973 is identified for only irrigated condition and AKAW 4739 only under moisture stress condition.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF ZINC AND IRON ON GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY OF LATHYRUS (Lathyrus sativus L.).(Dr. Punjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2019-06-26) PISE, SATISH EKNATH.; Shende, Dr. P. V.A study was carried out to evaluate the foliar sprays of zinc and iron on morpho-physiological, chemical and biochemical, yield and yield contributing parameters of lathyrus cv. Ratan. A field experiment was conducted at experimental farm of Agricultural Botany section, College of Agriculture, Nagpur during year 2018-19 with three replication and seventeen treatments. The treatments included in this experiment were (T1) control, (T2) RDF + Control, (T3) RDF + ZnSO4 0.1 %, (T4) RDF + ZnSO4 0.2%, (T5) RDF + FeSO4 0.4%, (T6) RDF + ZnSO4 0.4 %, (T7) RDF + ZnSO4 0.5 %, (T8) RDF + FeSO4 0.1 %, (T9) RDF + FeSO4 0.2 %, (T10) RDF + FeSO4 0.3%, (T11) RDF + FeSO4 0.4%, (T12) RDF + ZnSO4 0.5 %, (T13) RDF + ZnSO4 0.1% + FeSO4 0.1%, (T14) RDF + ZnSO4 0.2% + FeSO4 0.2%, (T15) RDF + ZnSO4 0.3% + FeSO4 0.3%, (T16) RDF + ZnSO4 0.4% + FeSO4 0.4% and (T17) RDF + ZnSO4 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5%. Experiment was laid out in RBD design with three replications and ten treatments. Sowing was done by dibbling method on dated 26th October 2018 at a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm. Thereafter, all the intercultural operations were done as and when required. The recommended dose of 25 kg N ha-1 and 40 kg P2O5 ha-1 was applied in all treatments. Spraying of zinc and iron was done two times i.e. on 25 and 40 DAS. Observations about morpho-physiological parameters such as plant height, number of branches plant-1, leaf area plant-1, and total dry weight of plant were recorded at 30, 45, and 60 DAS. RGR and NAR were calculated at 30-45 and 45-60 DAS. Chemical and biochemical parameters like leaf total chlorophyll, N, P, K content in leaves, protein content in seed were also estimated. Observations on yield and yield contributing parameters like 100 seed weight, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield plant-1 (g), plot-1 (kg) and ha-1 (q) were recorded. All these above mentioned parameters were analyzed statistically. Results obtain from this study confirmed that foliar sprays of zinc (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%) and iron (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4% and 0.5%) either individually or in combination significantly enhanced morpho-physiological parameters viz., plant height, number of branches plant-1, leaf area plant-1, total dry weight of plant, RGR, NAR, chemical and biochemical parameters viz., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, chlorophyll in leaf, protein content in seed, yield and yield contributing parameters viz., 100 seed weight, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, seed yield plant-1 (g), plot-1 (kg), ha-1 (q) and harvest index over control. From overall results, it can be stated that foliar application of zinc and iron individually or in combination with different concentrations improved the morpho-physiological and biochemical and yield contributing parameters might have helped in attaining better seed yield in the present investigation. The highest per cent increase in yield over control was observed by foliar application of RDF + ZnSO4 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5% (T17) i.e. 58.82 % over control (T1). Finally it can be stated that spraying of plants with ZnSO4 0.5% + FeSO4 0.5% at 25 and 40 DAS could be considered as most suitable concentration and time to enhance growth and yield of lathyrus.ThesisItem Open Access MUTATION OF Trichoderma asperellum THROUGH GAMMA RAYS.(Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Akola, Maharashtra., 2019-08-13) SHETE, RAHUL SURESH.; Ingle, Dr. S. T.Management of predominant soil-borne fungal pathogens viz. Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum are difficult. Managing these pathogens with chemicals is expensive, difficult and even eco-hazardous. Therefore, use of biological control agents (BCAs) is an alternative to combat these pathogens. Amongst many biocontrol agents, Trichoderma is one of the species have been reported to be inhibitory to many soilborne fungal pathogens (Harman et al., 2004). An antagonistic ability of a biocontrol agent was determined by its physiological state, so that change in physiological or genetical conditions could alter the antagonism. Mutation is one of the finest way to do so. Gamma irradiation and chemical mutagen (EMS) influences on improving production of antifungal metabolites and biological proficiency of the biocontrol agent against soil borne pathogen. Ten days sporulated mother culture of Trichoderma asperellum was irradiated with cobalt – 60 gamma radiation @ 41.6 gray/min. The applied doses level were @ 5 k-rad, 7.5 k-rad, 10 k-rad, 12.5 k-rad, 15 k-rad, 17.5 k-rad, 20 k-rad, 22.5 k-rad, 25 k-rad, 27.5 k-rad and 30 k-rad. In chemical mutation, conidial suspension of T. asperellum was treated with Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) @ 150 μl/ml, 175 μl/ml, 200 μl/ml, 225 μl/ml and 250µl/ml with time interval of 60 minutes. Sixteen Trichoderma asperellum mutants were obtained after gamma irradiation and chemical mutagenesis. The mutants were checked for their stability upto 6th generation by observing morphological characters like colony colour, growth, pigmentation, phialides and conidial shape and size etc. The highest radial mycelium growth rate was shown by the mutant TaMG 3 (T3), TaMG 10 (T10), TaMG 11 (T11) and TaME 3 (T14) i.e. 38.08, 38.00, 37.75 and 37.42 mm/day respectively . The lowest radial mycelium growth rate was observed in mutant TaMG 5 (T9) i.e. 35.67 mm/day. Mutants and mother culture of Trichoderma asperelum were tested for their efficacy against predominant soil borne plant pathogens viz., Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum by adopting dual culture technique. All the mutants and mother culture were found significantly effective against tested pathogens. Among the mutants TaMG 3 (T3) recorded highest per cent growth inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum i.e. 67.33, 63.27 and 67.92 per cent respectively. The mother culture TaMC exhibited only 53.86, 49.05 and 60.29 per cent growth inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum respectively. Highest chitinase enzyme units/mg of protein i.e. 0.70 was recorded in TaMG 3 (T3). Mother culture TaMC contain only 0.39 chitinase enzyme units/mg of protein. Hence present study proved that mutagenesis is the efficient tool for improving bioefficiency of Trichoderma asperellum against soil born fungal plant pathogens viz. Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia bataticola and Fusarium oxysporum.
