"INTEGRATED USE OF BIOCHAR AND BIOCONTROL AGENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF MUNG BEAN LEAF SPOT DISEASES"

Abstract

The integrated use of biochar and biocontrol agents for sustainable management of leaf spot diseases in mungbean (Vigna radiata), a vital pulse crop in Asia. Field and laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate disease resistance across six mungbean varieties and assess the efficacy of treatments including biochar (from cannabis leaves), Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, and fungicides. Results revealed that NM-16 was the most susceptible to leaf spot pathogens, particularly Fusarium spp., while Azri Mung and NM-21 showed moderate resistance. In vitro and in vivo trials demonstrated that biochar and biocontrol agents significantly reduced disease incidence and severity, improved plant growth parameters, and enhanced soil health. The combination of biochar and beneficial microbes proved especially effective, offering an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides. Microscopic and morphological analyses confirmed pathogen identity, and statistical evaluations validated treatment efficacy. The findings underscore the potential of biochar and biocontrol agents in integrated disease management strategies. Future research should focus on optimizing biochar formulations, exploring synergistic effects with other microbial consortia, and scaling up field applications. This approach aligns with global efforts toward sustainable agriculture, offering promising solutions for climate-resilient crop production and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs.