Antagonistic Effect of Trichoderma Species Against Sugarcane Wilt Pathogen In Vitro

Trichoderma spp. are fungi that commonly occur worldwide and can be isolated easily from soil and dead organic matters. The four species of Trichoderma namely Trichoderma viride, T. harzianum, T. virens and T. atroviride were tested for their antagonistic effect against wilt pathogens (Cephalosporium and Fusarium spp.) of sugarcane in vitro. T. harzianum and T. viride were found strong competitor against wilt pathogens in vitro and restricted its growth by 95 and 85 percent respectively in dual culture Petri-plates. The other two species T. virens and T. atroviride were found comparatively slow competitors restricting only 70 and 60 percent growth of wilt pathogens tested respectively. The microscopic observation showed slight shrinkage of conidia and mycelial wall of the wilt pathogens due to presence of antagonist at the juncture place. Lysis of pathogen's mycelium by the antagonist was also observed. The result revealed that Trichoderma species had a strong ability to suppress growth of wilt pathogens.