Bio–efficacy of culture filtrate of Serratia marcescens and oil cakes against on the growth of Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz. Causing damping-off of brinjal

Abstract

Damping-off disease of brinjal caused by Pythium aphanidermatum is considered as one of the major constraints to brinjal production. To overcome these problems the present study, we investigated the in vitro biological control of Pythium aphanidermatum by using new biocontrol agent like Serratia marcescens and locally available oil cakes [Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea), Sesame (Sesamum indicum), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Neem (Azadirachta indica), and Elluppai (Mahua longifolia), Pungam (Pongamia glabra)]. The culture filtrate of S. marcescens at 40 and 50 % conc. completely inhibited the mycelial growth and minimum mycelial dry weight of P. aphanidermatum. Among the locally available six oil cakes evaluated Mahua longifolia oil cake water extract @ 50 % conc. was found to be highly inhibitory to the mycelial growth and minimum mycelial dry weight of P. aphanidermatum.