Efficacy of Biocontrol Agent (BCA) Trichoderma spp. Against Black Scurf Disease (Rhizoctonia solani) of Potato

Abstract

The current study was designed to determine the efficacy of Trichoderma against soil borne pathogen Rhizoctonia solani causing Black scurf disease in potato. Five various species of Trichoderma (Trichoderma herzianum, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma hamatum and Trichoderma helicum) were screened in vitro against Rhizoctonia solani via Dual culture technique. Amongst the antagonists Trichoderma herzianum, Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma helicum was found to be more potent in inhibiting the mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani. The results indicate that Trichoderma helicum and Trichoderma viride showed significant growth in suppressing the mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani thus a highest inhibition percentage 71.8% was attained however, the Trichoderma herzianum, Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma hamatum showed mycelial percentage of 71.45%, 68.2% and 64.5% respectively. It is therefore concluded that an insignificant inhibition percentage 64.5% was shown by Trichoderma hamatum and found to be least effective in reducing mycelial growth as well as sclerotia formation of the test pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. However Trichoderma is good biocontrol agent and therefore can be used against Black scurf disease of potato.