Influence of biocontrol agents on population density of Aspergillus flavus and kernel infection in groundnut
211 / 384
Authors
-
R.P. THAKUR*, V.P. RAO and K. SUBRAMANYAM
Keywords:
Groundnut, aflatoxin, Aspergillus flavus, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas, biocontrolAbstract
Aflatoxin contamination of groundnut, caused by Aspergillus ffavus (Af) group of fungi, is a major problem in the rainfed agriculture in the semi-arid tropics. Biological control could be one of the components of integrated management to reduce pre-harvest kernel infection in the field. Six Trichoderma and three Pseudomonas strains that were identified as highly antagonistic to Af 11-4 (a highly toxigenic strain) in vitro, were evaluated in field to determine their biocontrol potential. The antagonists were applied as seed dressing and soil application at flowering in Af-sick plots. All the antagonists significantly reduced seed infection in all three field experiments. Two T. viride (Tv 17 and Tv 23), one T. harzianum (Th 23), and one Pseudomonas (Pf 2) isolates provided greater protection to seed infection by Af 11-4 than others. The reduced seed contamination occurred due to significant reduction in Af population in the rhizosphere of groundnut.
Downloads
Issue
Section
License
For Authors
As soon as an article is accepted for publication, authors are requested to assign copyright of the article (or to grant exclusive publication and dissemination rights) to the publisher (Indian Phytopathlogical Society). This will ensure the widest possible protection and dissemination of information.
For Readers
While the advice and information in this journal is believed to be true and accurate at the date of its publication, the authors, the editors, nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.
All articles published in this journal are protected by copyright, which covers the exclusive rights to reproduce and distribute the article (e.g., as offprints), as well as all translation rights. No material published in this journal may be reproduced photographically or stored on microfilm, in electronic data bases, on video disks, etc., without first obtaining written permission from the publisher. The use of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, etc. in this publication, even if not specifically identified, implies that these names are protected by the relevant laws and regulations.