EXPLOITING THE BIOCONTROL ACTIVITY OF Tricoderma SPP AGAINST ROOT ROT CAUSING PHYTOPATHOGENS

The main aim of this investigation was to determine the antagonistic activity of Tricoderma spp isolated from rhizosphere soil of sunflower. Two species namely Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma koningii were isolated. In dual culture method Trichoderma viride showed maximum growth inhibition of 72.20% against Fusarium oxysporum whereas, Trichoderma koningii effectively inhibited Pythium debarianum (57.42%). The result of volatile assay revealed Pythium debarianum was effectively inhibited by both antagonists and in non volatile assay Pythium debarianum was greatly inhibited followed by Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium javanicum, Macrophomina phaseolina. The Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma koningii were recorded for their maximum cellulolytic and chitinolytic activity (3.6U/ml and 0.37IU/ml, 2.75 IU/ml and0.29IU/ml), respectively.