Evaluation of Biochars against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum and their Impact on Growth Parameters of Cucumber in Pot Condition

The present study was conducted under greenhouse conditions to evaluate the efficacy of biochars prepared from different plant parts against the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum causing root and stem rot of cucumber. Three types of raw materials were used to prepare the biochars (Eucalyptus wood, citrus wood, and greenhouse waste). The prepared biochar was collected and filled into pots at four concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% W/W). All biochars were effective in reducing the incidence of the disease up to 3% concentration with minimum mortality (4.17%) obtained with Eucalyptus wood (EW) + Citrus wood (CW) + Greenhouse waste (GHW). The biochars also positively influenced the plant growth parameters like seed germination, root length, and shoot length. Maximum shoot length 7.73 cm and root length 12.10 cm was observed with 3% Eucalyptus wood (EW) + Citrus wood (CW) + Greenhouse waste (GHW) biochar treated seeds.