Eco-Friendly Management of Cercospora Leaf Spot in Indian Spinach Using Trichocompost and Organic Amendments

10 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Indian spinach is a valuable leafy vegetable commonly grown for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study evaluates the efficacy of eco-friendly treatments in managing Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) and improving the agronomic performance of Indian spinach. The focus is on organic therapies to provide a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides. Materials and Methods: The experiment followed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications, using 21 trays with 144 seeds in total. Seven treatments were applied to the seeds, including Trichocompost, Tricholeachate and plant extracts (Neem, Biskatali and Allamanda). Disease incidence and severity were assessed at three stages (20, 35 and 50 DAS) and statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at p<0.05. Results: The Trichocompost showed the highest germination rates (42.43% at 15 DAS) compared to the control (25.03%). Decomposed cow dung was also effective, with 37.43% germination at 15 DAS. Trichocompost recorded the lowest mortality (3.40%), followed by decomposed cow dung (4.10%). The control treatment had the highest mortality (11.23%). At 50 DAS, Trichocompost significantly reduced CLS incidence (27.37%) and severity (14.8%) compared to the control, which recorded 57.33% incidence and 30.5% severity. Decomposed cow dung and Allamanda leaf extract showed moderate efficacy, while Neem and Biskatali extracts were less effective. Conclusion: The Trichocompost is highly effective in promoting seed germination, reducing mortality and managing CLS in Indian spinach. Decomposed cow dung and Allamanda leaf extract also showed promise, whereas Neem and Biskatali extracts were less effective. This study highlights the potential of organic treatments as sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides. Future field-based studies are recommended to validate these findings under diverse agro-ecological conditions.

Reducing Seedling Mortality and Enhancing Tomato Seedling Health Using Tricho-Compost and Tricho-Leachate

10 June, 2026

Background and Objective: Tomato seedlings are highly susceptible to damping-off diseases caused by soil-borne pathogens like Sclerotium rolfsii. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate, both derived from Trichoderma harzianum, in reducing seedling mortality and promoting healthy tomato seedling growth. Materials and Methods: A field experiment was conducted at Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. Tricho-compost was prepared using organic wastes and inoculated with effective T. harzianum isolates (particularly Th5 and Bioderma). Tricho-leachate was collected as a liquid by-product of compost decomposition. Six treatments were applied in a randomized complete block design: T1 (2 kg Tricho-compost+500 mL Tricho-leachate), T2 (1 kg compost+500 mL leachate), T3 (2 kg compost), T4 (500 mL leachate), T5 (cow dung+TSP) and T6 (control). Parameters measured included seed germination, seedling mortality and vigor index. All data were analyzed using ANOVA in MSTAT-C and treatment means were compared by DMRT at a 5% significance level. Results: Application of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate significantly reduced tomato seedling mortality caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. The T1 treatment recorded the highest germination rate (94%) and lowest seedling mortality (2.5%), compared to the control (59% germination and 7.5% mortality). The highest vigor index was observed in T1 (1485.20), followed by T2 and T3. Tricho-leachate alone (T4) also showed high efficacy (93% germination, 985.80 vigor index), indicating its standalone potential. Conclusion: Combined application of Tricho-compost and Tricho-leachate (T1) significantly enhanced tomato seedling growth and reduced pathogen-induced mortality. These bio-inputs offer sustainable and effective alternatives to chemical fertilizers for healthier seedling production.

International Journal of Plant Pathology - Current Issue

Eco-Friendly Management of Cercospora Leaf Spot in Indian Spinach Using Trichocompost and Organic Amendments

Reducing Seedling Mortality and Enhancing Tomato Seedling Health Using Tricho-Compost and Tricho-Leachate