A master’s thesis was discussed at Al-Musayyib Technical College, one of the formations of Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, by researcher Zahraa Samir Jaaz from the Department of Biocontrol Techniques. The thesis, entitled “Evaluation of Some Biological Agents and the Chemical Inducer Salicylic Acid and Their Interaction in the Resistance to Cowpea Root Rot Caused by the Fungus Rhizoctonia solani in Babil Governorate,” addressed the role of biological control agents and the chemical inducer salicylic acid in managing cowpea root rot disease.
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of certain biological control agents and the chemical inducer salicylic acid in combating cowpea root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions. It also examined their impact on reducing disease incidence and severity, as well as improving plant growth characteristics.
The results revealed the widespread occurrence of cowpea root rot across all surveyed areas in Babil Governorate, confirming Rhizoctonia solani as the primary causal agent of the disease.
The findings further demonstrated that the synergistic application of biological control agents significantly reduced disease severity and improved both vegetative and root growth parameters under greenhouse and field conditions.
The study recommended the integrated and synergistic use of Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Enterobacter mori in combination with salicylic acid within integrated disease management programs for cowpea root rot, due to their high effectiveness in reducing infection and promoting plant growth.
