Biological control of Groundnut diseases

The concept of biological control embodies the introduction of antagonists into cropping systems and also manipulation of the environment to favor resident beneficial microorganisms by crop rotation, residue management and a wide range of cultural practices. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) an important oil seed crop in India is affected with several soil borne diseases. As a result heavy yield loss occurs. Among these diseases two soil borne pathogens viz. Sclerotium rolfsii and Rhizoctonia solani causes severe crop destruction in Madurai district, Tamilnadu, India.