Development of a Na-Alginate-based bioformulation and its use in the management of charcoal rot of sunflower (Helianthus Annuus L.)

The treatment of sunflower seeds with na-alginate in combination with ca-carbonate and carboxymethyl cellulose (cmc) showed maximum increase in plant length and weight followed by seed coated with na-alginate in combination with ca-carbonate and gum arabic. maximum control of macrophomina phaseolina infection was recorded when seeds were coated with na-alginate in combination with ca-carbonate and gum arabic followed by na-alginate in combination with ca-carbonate and cmc. in another experiment when sunflower seeds were coated with na-alginate at 1,2 and 4% w/w with or without trichoderma viride,t. resei,significant increase in germination was recorded when seeds were coated with trichoderma species using na alginate at different concentrations as a sticker. plant length and weight was significantly higher in treated seeds as compared to non treated control. seeds coated with t. viride using 2% na-alginate as a sticker showed maximum increase in plant length and weight followed by seed coated with t. viride in combination with 1% na-alginate. maximum vigor index were observed in sunflower seeds treated with t. viridi using 2% na-alginate.