In vitro assessment of the influence of growing media, specific pH and temperature levels on the growth of Ceratocystis fimbriata, instigating wilt of pomegranate

Abstract

In vitro evaluation studies were conducted to investigate the influence of five Non synthetic/semi synthetic media and three synthetic media on the growth of Ceratocystis fimbriata. In addition to effect of solid media, nine different levels of hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) and seven levels of temperatures were also evaluated to record the growth of Ceratocystis fimbriata, causing wilt of pomegranate. After a period of 120 hours of inoculation, it was noted that Potato dextrose agar was most suitable medium for the growth of Ceratocystis fimbriata. Potato dextrose agar supported quicker perithecium development than other media. Perithecium also developed in case of Malt agar, Oat meal agar and Richard's agar. A pH level of 7.5 was deemed as the optimum pH for the growth as well as sporulation of test fungus and temperature of 30 °C was recorded to be the best for the growth of Ceratocystis fimbriata.