Vol. 10, Issue 7 (2021)

Author(s):
Maneesha Kaushik and Francis Xavier

Abstract:
Phytophthora infestans, which causes potato late blight, is a very destructive plant disease that can cause significant economic losses in the potato industry. Several strains of The Trichoderma genus might be used as a biocontrol agent and are capable of controlling a wide range of plant diseases in crops. The goal of this work was to find effective Trichoderma isolates against Phytophthora infestans. Bioassays in vitro between Phytophthora infestans and Trichoderma isolates showed that the Phytophthora infestans colony was active. Trichoderma inhibited and overgrew substantially. The antifungal metabolites generated by the isolate HNA14 greatly slowed the Phytophthora infestans colony's linear growth. The isolate HNA14 dramatically lowered the disease index, improved plant stem height, and foliar fresh and dry weight in a planta bioassay. Out of all Trichoderma strains tested in the field, the Trichoderma isolate HNA14 was the most effective against the pathogen and greatly lowered the severity of the condition as compared to the command. Overall, the strategic approach outlined in this research offers an efficient method for a biocontrol agent for potato disease control.