Some in vitro Observations on the Biological Control of Sclerotium rolfsii, a Serious Pathogen of Various Agricultural Crop Plants

The present study reveals the antagonistic potential of some fungi isolated from the agricultural field soil which were screened against the test pathogen (Sclerotium rolfsii) in vitro. Six fungal species viz. Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger, Curvularia sp, Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, and Fusarium sp were tested in vitro in dual culture by inoculating both the antagonist and the pathogen simultaneously (2cm apart). Among the six fungal isolates, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride grew very fast compared to the pathogen (Sclerotium rolfsii) and inhibited its mycelium producing a clear inhibition zone. Maximum percentage of inhibition on the growth of the Sclerotium rolfsii was observed with Trichoderma harzianum (77.39%), followed by Trichoderma viride (76.54%) while considerable degree of inhibition was also observed with, Aspergillus niger (30.48%), Penicillium sp (29.05%) and Curvularia sp (13.57%). The study revealed the biocontrol potential of some naturally available soil fungi isolated from the agricultural field soil, which may be tried as biocontrol agents against Sclerotium rolfsii in the field condition.