Effect of Trichoderma species on Pythium aphanidermatum Causing Rhizome Rot of Turmeric

N. Uma Maheswari* and T. P. Sirchabai

PG and Research Department of Microbiology, Sengamala Thayaar Educational Trust Women’s College, Mannargudi - 614 001 India.

ABSTRACT: Turmeric (Curcuma longa) belonging to the family Zingiberaceae is one of the most ancient and importance spice crop grown in India. Rhizome rot of turmeric, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz., is a major constraint for the production of healthy rhizome, some times causing total failure crop. Soil samples was collected and analyzed for physico chemical parameters, then the effect of pH, N, P and K also studied. Maximum growth the pathogen was noticed in pH 6 (55mm), 2% of nitrogen (21mm), 1% of phosphorus (16mm) and 2% of potash (14mm). Pythium aphanidermatum against chemical fungicide thiophanate methyl 70% WP produced inhibition zone (23mm) of fungal growth in disc diffusion assay. Because of the inherent risks associated with the chemical control, an attempt has been made in present study to control the rhizome rot by biological means under laboratory method. In vitro studies on biocontrol agents against turmeric rhizome rot pathogen Pythium aphanidermatum revealed that fungal bioagent was inhibiting the growth of pathogen. Trichoderma viride (79mm) was best inhibiting the colony growth of Pythium aphanidermatum (11mm) in 288 hours P = <0.001 statistically significant difference. Experts recommend that rhizome treatment with biofungicide like Trichoderma spp., can effectively control of this disease.

KEYWORDS: Pythium aphanidermatum; Turmeric; Trichoderma viride; Biofungicide; Rhizome rot

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