Influence of biocontrol agents on population density of Aspergillus flavus and kernel infection in groundnut

Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut, caused by Aspergillus ffavus (Af) group of fungi, is a major problem in the rainfed agriculture in the semi-arid tropics. Biological control could be one of the components of integrated management to reduce pre-harvest kernel infection in the field. Six Trichoderma and three Pseudomonas strains that were identified as highly antagonistic to Af 11-4 (a highly toxigenic strain) in vitro, were evaluated in field to determine their biocontrol potential. The antagonists were applied as seed dressing and soil application at flowering in Af-sick plots. All the antagonists significantly reduced seed infection in all three field experiments. Two T. viride (Tv 17