Sensitivity of Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. isolates of maize (Zea mays L.) to different temperature and pH levels

摘要

Macrophomina phaseolina is the devastating fungus of many crops. For this study, infected maize samples were collected from four districts (Kasur, Okara, Sahiwal and Pakpatan). Twenty-four isolates of M. phaseolina were isolated from infected maize samples and their growth was evaluated at 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40°C as well as at 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0 pH. The growth of fungal isolates was significantly affected by different levels of pH and temperature. Higher mean dry mycelial weight was observed at 35oC followed by 40oC. Higher mean dry mycelial weight at pH 6.5 and 7.0, clearly indicated the preference of isolates to particular range of pH. Mean dry mycelial weight was increased with increase in pH and temperature.