Evaluation of Antagonistic Potential of Trichoderma asperellum (in-vitro) against Fungal Diseases of Important Medicinal Plants

Author: Nidhi Singh* and Dinesh Rai

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Abstract

Now-a-days plant products are increasingly being used by humans for food and health care benefits. At the same time, we are concerned for the health of plants especially medicinal and aromatic plants as their health can yield products that are healthy for us. A survey was carried out on fungal diseases of economically important five medicinal plants viz. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Mint (Mentha arvensis) and Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) in MAP germplasm blocks at Dr. RPCAU, Pusa and its neighbouring areas at different time intervals. During the survey, eleven fungal diseases namely leaf spot/ blight (Alternaria alternata), wilt (Fusarium solani) and downy mildew (Peronospora sp.) of Ashwagandha, leaf spot (Colletotrichum truncatum) and leaf blight (Alternaria sp.) of Sarpagandha, leaf spot (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) and leaf blight (Alternaria sp.) of Tulsi, leaf spot (Curvularia lunata) and leaf blight (Alterna

Keywords

Medicinal plants, fungal pathogens, biocontrol, Trichoderma asperellum.

Conclusion

Based on the results obtained in this work, we can say that some of the minor diseases are emerging to become the major diseases of these plants in Bihar and local Trichoderma asperellum strain has a good chance to become a successful biological control agent. The success of biocontrol of plant diseases depend on their effective formulations, their survival and rapid multiplication and colonization after inoculation. Their success depends on the development of rhizospheric competent strains in different agro-climatic zones of the country. Strains of Trichoderma sp. against pathogens, their action mechanism, compatibility with components of integrated pest management, quality formulations and success in field are major issues that are needed to be further explored intensively.

References

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How to cite this article

Singh, N. and Rai, D. (2022). Evaluation of Antagonistic Potential of Trichoderma asperellum (in-vitro) against Fungal Diseases of Important Medicinal Plants. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(1): 57-61.