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Antagonistic Potential of Endophytic Trichoderma asperellum against Alternaria alternata causing Leaf Blight in Watermelon

Author: Pradeep M.*, Eraivan Arutkani Aiyanathan K., Kalpana K., Shanthi M. and Senthil K.

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Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the potential of fungal endophytes against Alternaria alternata causing leaf blight disease in watermelon. Totally of sixteen Alternaria isolates were isolated using tissue segment method and confirmed as Alternaria sp. based on the cultural and morphological characteristics. The virulence of the pathogen isolates was confirmed through pathogenicity test. Among the 16 isolates WTA 7 was identified as highly virulent isolate. Fifteen fungal endophytes were isolated from healthy watermelon plants and identified as Trichoderma spp. and Fusarium spp. based on the cultural and conidial characters. The effect of 15 endophytes were tested against the highly virulent Alternaria isolate WTA 7 using dual culture technique. Among the 15 endophytes, isolate WTD 5 was found to be highly potential in inhibiting the pathogenic isolate WTA 7. The next best isolate was WTD 6, which exhibited 70 % inhibition of pathogen over control. The least mycelial reduction

Keywords

Watermelon, Leaf blight, Alternaria alternata, Trichoderma asperellum, Molecular characterization, Antagonism, Biological control.

Conclusion

The present study illustrated the effectiveness of 15 endophytic fungi against leaf blight pathogen A.alternata. Among the 15 endophytic fungal isolates, one isolate WTD 5 showed the maximum antagonistic activity against the pathogen and was confirmed as Trichoderma asperellum through molecular approach. The biocontrol agents are alternative method for management of diseases and it is free from hazardous for environment and human health.

References

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How to cite this article

Pradeep M., Eraivan Arutkani Aiyanathan K., Kalpana K., Shanthi M. and Senthil K. (2022). Antagonistic Potential of Endophytic Trichoderma asperellum against Alternaria alternata causing Leaf Blight in Watermelon. Biological Forum – An International Jou