Combining Pseudomonas, Bacillus and Trichoderma strains with organic amendments and micronutrient to enhance suppression of collar and root rot disease in physic nut

► Among the biocontrol agents tested in vitro against L. theobromae, the isolates of Trichoderma viride (Tv1), Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf1) and Bacillus subtilis (Bs16) effectively reduced the mycelial growth of the pathogen. ► Neem cake, farmyard manure and zinc sulphate were found to be most effective in reducing the growth of L. theobromae. ► The compatibility studies revealed the isolates of T. viride (Tv1), P. fluorescens (Pf1) and B. subtilis (Bs16) were compatible with each other and also with organic amendments and micronutrients. ► Of the different combination of biocontrol agents tested in vitro, combination of Pf1 + Tv1+ Bs16 + neem cake + zinc sulphate + FYM was most effective in inhibiting the radial mycelial growth of pathogen. ► In glasshouse and field studies also the mixture of Pf1 + Tv1 + Bs16 + neem cake + zinc sulphate + FYM was found to be superior in reducing the collar and root rot disease incidence compared to other treatments.