Management of <i>Fusarium</i> Wilt using mycolytic enzymes produced by <i>Trichoderma harzianum</i> (Th. Azad)

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to isolate the best chitinase and glucanase enzyme producing Trichoderma strain to manage the Fusarium wilt disease of Cicer aritenum under in vitro conditions. We also studied the effect of Trichoderma strains on the growth and development of C. aritenum plants. Seven strains of Trichoderma were screened against the Fusarium pathogen to isolate the best biocontrol agent causing maximum inhibition of Fusarium growth. Trichoderma harzianum (Th. Azad) was found to be the best strains among all the tested strains. Trichoderma treated plant exhibited the least disease incidence as compared to control plants. Trichoderma treated plant showed a significant stimulatory effect on all the tested eight parameters as compared to control.

Key words: Trichoderma, antagonistic activity, chitinase, glucanase, Biocontrol agent, phytopathogenic fungi.