Biocontrol of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary by Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract

Out of 12 fungi isolated from Sclerotinia infested soils of pea fields, seven—viz Penicillium cyclopium, Paecilomyces lilaci‐nus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Acremonium implicatum, Penicillium sheari and Trichothecium roseum—were found antagonistic to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum the cause of white mould of peas. Trichoderma harzianum was found to parasitize the mycelium and sclerotia of S. sclerotiorum and destroyed the sclerotia within 15 days. Trichothecium roseum gave 100% inhibition of sclerotial germination, after 30 days of co‐incubation in soil. Application of wheat bran culture of T. harzianum under field conditions gave significant control of the disease plus a yield increase. Mycelial preparation of T. harzianum was more effective in comparison to spore preparation.

Keywords:

• Biocontrol
• white mould
• pea
• Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
• Trichoderma harzianum