Effect of temperature and pH levels on the growth and sporulation of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini causing linseed wilt

Abstract

Among the fungal diseases of linseed, wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini (Bolley) is a major constraint responsible for low production and productivity. An in vitro experiment was conducted to find out the suitable temperature and pH for the growth and sporulation of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lini. Study showed that after 9 days of incubation, the maximum growth of the fungus was 88.33 mm at 24oC with highest growth rate of 9.81 mm per day and highest sporulation of 7.9 x 106 per ml. In case of pH, maximum growth of the fungus was 86.33 mm at pH 5.5 with highest growth rate of 9.59 mm per day and highest sporulation of 8.2 x 106 per ml after 9 days of incubation at 25 ± 2°C