Media and culturing protocols were identified that supported the formation of submerged conidia and microsclerotia (MS) by Trichoderma harzianum Rifai strain T-22 using liquid culture fermentation. Liquid media with a higher carbon concentration (36 g L(-1)) promoted MS formation at all C:N ratios tested. Hyphae aggregated to form MS after 2 d growth and after 7 d MS were fully melanized. This ...

AIMS To evaluate the antagonistic activity of Fusarium oxysporum nonpathogenic fungal strain S6 against the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and to identify the antifungal compounds involved. METHODS AND RESULTS The antagonistic activity of Fusarium oxysporum strain S6 was determined in vitro by dual cultures. The metabolite responsible for the activity was isolated by chromato...

Botrytis cinerea Pers.:Fr. is a major plant pathogen, and a new approach is needed for its control in strawberry to minimise the increasing use of synthetic fungicides. The biofungicide Prestop-Mix, which contains Gliocladium catenulatum, is effective against Botrytis infections; however, the need for frequent applications increases the costs for farmers. Here, we demonstrate that bumble bees, ...

Watermelon fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum (FON) is a 13 destructive soil-borne disease throughout the world leading to serious economic losses and limit 14 watermelon production. Cuminic acid, extracted from the seed of Cuminum cyminum L., belongs to 15 benzoic acid analogues. In this study, the median effective concentration (EC50) values for cuminic 16 acid in inhibit...

In an effort to meet the stringent requirements towards registration of microorganisms as biopesticides, several molecular techniques were tested as part of a strategy to develop a quality control system for Pseudozyma flocculosa, the active ingredient of Sporodex, a biofungicide used for the control of powdery mildew fungi. In the first approach, multiplex PCR fingerprints generated by three s...

Alternaria brassicae is a widespread pathogen causing black leaf spot in the common cabbage (Brassica oleracea Linn.). Ample spectrum of effective chemical fungicides is in use against this pathogen. The agricultural areas of the Nilgiris are fragmented shola forests of this biodiversity hot spot. The indiscriminate usage of chemical fungicides may cause physiological damage, including the endo...