Acremonium kilense as an endophytic bioagent against turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) diseases and tolerance to plant protection chemicals

Abstract

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L), “the golden spice of life” is one of most essential spice use as an important ingredient in culinary all over the world. Present investigation was done to understand the biocontrol potential of various endophytic microbes associated with turmeric against the pathogen causing rhizome rot disease of turmeric (Pythium sp.). A total of 15 endophytic fungi isolated from different locations of Andhra Pradesh state were evaluated. It was observed that Tc ed f 1(Acremonium kilense) was found to exert maximum antagonism against the pathogen. It was also observed that Acremonium kilense is incompatible with fungicides like Bordeaux mixture, Mancozeb 75%WP, Cyamoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64%WP and Bordeaux mixture and higher concentrations of Fenamidone 10% + Mancozeb 50% WG and insecticides like Dimethoate, Malathion and Thiomethoxam showed 100 per cent inhibition indicating its poor level of compatibility.