Inhibition of fungal plant pathogens by synergistic action of chito-oligosaccharides and commercially available fungicides.

Chitosan is a linear heteropolymer consisting of β 1,4-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and D-glucosamine (GlcN). We have compared the antifungal activity of chitosan with DPn (average degree of polymerization) 206 and FA (fraction of acetylation) 0.15 and of enzymatically produced chito-oligosaccharides (CHOS) of different DPn alone and in combination with commercially available synthetic fungicides, against Botrytis cinerea, the causative agent of gray mold in numerous fruit and vegetable crops.

Characterization of field isolates of Trichoderma antagonistic against Rhizoctonia solani.

The aim of the present study was to characterize sixteen isolates of Trichoderma originating from a field of sugar beet where disease patches caused by Rhizoctonia solani were observed. Use of both molecular and morphological characteristics gave consistent identification of the isolates. Production of water-soluble and volatile inhibitors, mycoparasitism and induced systemic resistance in plant host were investigated using in vitro and in vivo tests in both sterilized and natural soils.

Effect of Germination Initiation on Competitive Capacity of Trichoderma atroviride P1 Conidia.

ABSTRACT Trichoderma biocontrol isolates are most effective as highly concentrated inocula. Their antagonism to other fungi may be a result of pregermination respiration. In a nutrient-rich medium, almost all Trichoderma atroviride P1 (P1) conidia initiated germination processes and increased respiration, even in dense suspensions.