Biocidal mechanisms in biological control of fusarium wilt in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by antagonistic rhizobacteria: A current perspective in soil borne fungal pest management

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris, one of the most important fungal pathogen of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), is a constant threat to this crop worldwide. It causes yield losses up to 100 % depending upon the varietal susceptibility, growth stage and climatic conditions. Strategies have been employed for controlling this pathogen such as use of cultural practices, resistant cultivars, fungicides etc., but have proven less effective and even the use of chemicals have hazardous effects, and also lead to the development of fungicide resistance in pathogens.