Biocontrol potential of cyanobacterial metabolites against damping off disease caused by Pythium aphanidermatum in solanaceous vegetables

摘要

An investigation was undertaken to explore the biocidal efficacy of fungicidal compound(s) produced by Calothrix elenkenii against damping-off disease in three vegetable crops-tomato, chilli and brinjal. Treatments included application of seeds soaked in water (control), culture filtrate and ethyl acetate extract of Calothrix elenkenii and Metalaxyl in potting mix inoculated with Pythium aphanidermatum in plastic pots. The observations taken after a period of four weeks revealed the superiority of seed treatment with ethyl acetate extracts, in terms of percent mortality and plant parameters. ANOVA revealed that the treatments, crops (tomato, chilli and brinjal) and their interactions exerted a significant influence on the parameters analyzed. Chilli recorded the highest percentage of survivors and responded best to the seed treatment with ethyl acetate extract of Calothrix elenkenii. Future work is being undertaken towards formulation of a biocontrol agent using Calothrix elenkenii and understanding the molecular basis for the biocontrol properties.