Antagonistic activity of Trichoderma crassum Gmaxr1 against Macrophomina phaseolina Gmax20 of the Soybean Crop

Abstract

Charcoal rot is a fungal disease of soybean caused by Macrophomina phaseolina. Soybean contains proteins, vitamins and fats. It is an important source of nutrition in developing countries. In the present study, Macrophomina phaseolina Gmax20 was isolated from soybean-infected plant whereas Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Trichoderma crassum Gmaxr1 were isolated from a healthy soybean plant’s intact rhizospheric soil. The isolated antagonists were tested against the Macrophomina phaseolina Gmax20 under in vitro conditions. The results showed that T. crassum Gmaxr1 showed the highest inhibition percentage (16.98%, 23.08% and 54.04%) on 1st, 2nd and 3rd day than other selected antagonists against M. phaseolina Gmax20. Thus, due to the maximum inhibition percentage of T. crassum Gmaxr1 against M. phaseolina Gmax20, it can be exploited as a proficient bioagent for the management of charcoal rot disease.