Performance of Potent Isolate of Trichoderma harzianum (Th9) Possessing Mycoparasitic Property Against Late Blight Causing Fungus Phytophthora infestans in Addition to Enhancing Defensive Enzymes Activities in Potato Crop

Abstract

Late blight of potato caused by fungal pathogen Phytophthora infestans is an important disease in potato growing areas around the globe resulting in food shortage, hunger and atleast 50% of crop losses. In the present investigation, two strains of Trichoderma, indigenously isolated Trichoderma harzianum (Th9) and commercial strain of same species tested were used against destructive fungus, Phytopthera infestans through in-vitro studies. Both strains of fungal bioagents showed variation in their potentiality against the rot causing fungus Phytopthera infestans. Trichoderma harzianum (Th9) exhibited highly potential properties as compared to the commercial strain. Biochemical studies revealed that enzymes chitinase and β 1,3 glucanase known for systemic resistance were found in higher concentration in healthy plants of potato as compared to the diseased one. The Th9 strain was, therefore, selected for further Integrated pest management studies either for pure applications and/or as core component of IPM packages on potato crops under field conditions.