Penicillium pinophilum has the Potential to Reduce Damping-off Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in Sugar Beet

Rhizoctonia solani is an economically important pathogen of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) causing seedling damping-off, and root crown rot. Cultural practices, partially resistant cultivars, fungicides are among the methods most used to manage R. solani. Penicillium pinophilum, a potential biocontrol agent for was isolated from beet. Our objective evaluate P. pinophilum against AG 2–2 under laboratory greenhouse conditions. In vitro co-culture both fungi showed that growth inhibited by pinophilum. A inoculation study done using sclerotia conidia suspension response susceptible cultivar. Treatments included sclerotia, suspension, combination with mock water (control). One 2-cm deep furrow made in middle peat filled trays into which 10 seeds were planted. Each treatment applied adjacent each seed covered peat. There four replicates per arranged completely randomized design. The sole caused 75% damping-off severe rot on surviving plants whereas reduced 50%. No incidences observed or mock-inoculated control. It concluded has reduce but use appropriate concentration its mitigation mechanisms need further studies.