Abstract: The causal agent of chick pea root rot Rhizoctonia solani is an important plant pathogen which induces brown collar rot in many plants. To search a safe way to reduce the pathogen damage to chick pea, antagonistic and growth promoting ability of root nodulating Mesorhizobium strain were evaluated invitro and green house in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Of 73 Mesorhizobium strains,19 were able to inhibit fungus pathogen which the two most effective showed 2.3 cm inhibition zone. Tested strains were grouped based on their antagonistic activity and representatives were applied in greenhouse in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Results showed that the most effective strains were AK9 and AK46 when applied as seed coating and soil drenching. These strains increased root and stem length;dry and fresh weight of chickpea plants significantly. Safe method to control of plant disease is promising way to keep soil microbiological balance and avoid hazardous chemicals harmful for human health.
