Forty two strains of Trichoderma sp. were isolated from cultivated lands around Bangalore and analyzed for their antagonistic potential against Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium ciceri. The potential of biocontrol agents ultimately lies in their capacity to control pathogens in vivo. Bioefficacy studies were hence conducted using chickpea (Cicer argentums c.v. Annigeri) as an experimental plant by the roll paper towel method. Overall the isolates T40, T35, T30 and T25 showed better antagonistic potential in addition to enhancing plant growth. The production of chitinases to break down the mycelial cell walls of fungal plant pathogens has been implicated as a major cause of biocontrol activity (Inbar and Chet, 1995). In order to study the mechanism of biocontrol, ten better performing strains were plated on media, amended with colloidal chitin and Sclerotium rolfsii cell wall extract. All the isolates showed chitinolytic activity on day three as well as day five. Production of endochitinase and exochitinase were assayed in liquid media using colloidal chitin amended broth. Strains T35 and T6 displayed maximum endochitinase and exochitinase activity. Although all strains exhibited cellulase activity, the quantum of enzyme produced was higher in T35 and T6. The results also indicate a positive correlation between enzyme production and bioefficacy.

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Coconut (Cocos nucifera) originated in Indo-Malayan region is one of the most important commercial horticultural crops. It is often regarded as KALPAVRISHA, "The Tree of Heaven" as each and every part of the tree is useful for the mankind. It occupies a prominent role in moulding the social livelihood of people of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The district tops in area and production of coconut in the state. The present study deals with the extension strategies suggested by the coconut growers needed for enhancing the production and marketing. During the study, majority of the respondents suggested the strategies like direct marketing (71%), labour availability (67%), better transport facilities (63%), mechanization (58%), better remunerative prices (51%), providing financial subsidies (49%), promoting extension activities (47%), providing processing and storage facilities (43%) for enhancing coconut production.

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