Author(s): Manorama M Patre, Harshdeep B Sartape and Ashfaque M Khan

Abstract: Trichoderma spp. are recognized as effective biocontrol agents against fungal diseases in plants, providing a safe and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. This study aimed to evaluate the antagonistic potential of three Trichoderma species against Alternaria alternata strains AAS1 and AAS2 under in vitro conditions using a dual culture assay. Two distinct pathogenic strains of Alternaria alternata were isolated from rotting pomegranate fruit collected in the Jalna district of Maharashtra, India, and were characterized based on their colony morphology and growth characteristics. The antagonistic effects of the three species were assessed through the dual culture assay. The results indicated that T. harzianum exhibited the highest antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the radial growth of both strains (64.44% for AAS1 and 61.11% for AAS2), followed by T. koningii and T. viride, which demonstrated moderate and partial inhibition. Both qualitative and quantitative data support the conclusion that Trichoderma is a promising biocontrol agent and a potential candidate for integrated disease management strategies. Such eco-friendly approaches provide sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides for controlling postharvest fungal pathogens and enhancing crop productivity. Future research should focus on field evaluations, the molecular characterization of antagonistic mechanisms, and the development of formulations to facilitate the large-scale application of Trichoderma-based biocontrol strategies.

Pages: 110-113 | Views: 934 | Downloads: 371

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