Antagonistic microorganisms and nitrogen fertilization in control of tomato southern blight

The present study assessed the efficacy of formulated biocontrol agents and nitrogen fertilization on southern blight control. Antagonism test in vitro was performed to assess the inhibitory activity of Bacillus methylotrophicus and Trichoderma asperellum against the growth of Sclerotium rolfsii. Tomato seedlings were transplanted into the substrate added with ammonium nitrate doses and inoculated with the formulated biocontrol agents Ônix (B. methylotrophicus) or Quality (T. asperellum). Subsequently, seedlings were inoculated with S. rolfsii. Plant mortality, shoot and root weight were assessed 11 days after the last inoculation. Agents had effective inhibitory activity against S. rolfsii; thus, they could reduce southern blight severity when combined with ammonium nitrate. However, plant mortality was not reduced by them.(AU)

Identification and biological characteristics of southern blight causing root rot on three medicine plants of Iridaceae in Dabie Mountains / 中国中药杂志

In order to identify the species and biological characteristics of the pathogen of southern blight from three kinds of Chinese medicine of Iridaceae(Belamcanda chinensis, Iris tectorum and I. japonica) in Dabie Mountains, the isolation, identification, pathogenicity and biological characteristics of the pathogens were studied according to Koch's postulates. In addition, 9 chemical fungicides, 3 botanical fungicides and 5 microbial fungicides were used to evaluate their inhibition to the isolates in vitro. The results showed that all the strains(SG-Q, YW-Q, and HDH-Q) isolated and purified from the diseased plants of B. chinensis, I. tectorum and I. japonica, respectively, were identified as Sclerotium rolfsii through morphological observation and sequence aligement of 18 S rDNA, rDNA-ITS and TEF. Field observations showed that the intensity of the disease incidence of three Iridaceae plants was B. chinensis>I. japonica> I. tectorum, and the pathogenicity of the strains was SG-Q>YW-Q>HDH-Q. For biological characteristics, SG-Q strain was suitable for growth under the 12 h light/12 h dark cycle, with the optimal growth temperature of 30 ℃ and pH of 5. Among the 9 tested chemical fungicides, 29% lime sulphure and 10% flusilazole had stronger inhibitory effect on mycelia growth of SG-Q. For 3 botanical fungicides, 1% osthol, 20% eugenol and 0.5% berberine could effectively inhibt the mycelial growth of SG-Q and cause the morphological variation of the pathogen. For 5 microbial fungicides, Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis had better inhibition on the mycelium growth of SG-Q.

Discovery and functional verification of endogenous glucanases for scleroglucan hydrolysis in Sclerotium rolfsii / 生物工程学报

Scleroglucan is a high-molecular water-soluble microbial exopolysaccharide and mainly applied in the fields of petroleum, food, medicine and cosmetics. The high molecular weight of scleroglucan produced by microbial fermentation leads to low solubility, high viscosity and poor dispersibility, thus bringing a series of difficulties to extraction, preservation and application. It is important to explore suitable degradation method to adjust the molecular weight of scleroglucan for expanding its industrial application. Taking Sclerotium rolfsii WSH-G01 as a model strain, in which functional annotations of the glucanase genes were conducted by whole genome sequencing. Based on design of culture system for culture system for differential expression of β-glucanase, endogenous β-glucanase genes in S. rolfsii WSH-G01 were excavated by transcriptomics analysis. Functions of these potential hydrolases were further verified. Finally, 14 potential endogenous hydrolase genes were obtained from S. rolfsii. After heterologous overexpression in Pichia pastoris, 10 soluble enzymes were obtained and 5 of them had the activity of laminarin hydrolysis by SDS-PAGE and enzyme activity analysis. Further investigation of the 5 endogenous hydrolases on scleroglucan degradation showed that enzyme GME9860 has positive hydrolysis effect. The obtained results provide references not only for obtaining low and medium molecular weight of scleroglucan with enzymatic hydrolysis, but also for producing different molecular weight of scleroglucan during S. rolfsii fermentation process with metabolic engineering.

Evaluation of the fungitoxic activity of vegetal extracts on the mycelial growth of phytopathogens / Avaliação da atividade fungitóxica de extratos vegetais sobre o crescimento micelial de fitopatógenos

Although the productivity of common bean in Tocantins is economically favorable, it has been infected by various pathogens found in soil. Among the major diseases is the web blight and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani and collar rot caused by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. This study aimed to evaluate the fungitoxic activity of methanol extracts of eight plant species on the inhibition of mycelial growth of S. rolfsii and R. solani. The fungitoxic activities were carried out over the inhibition of mycelial growth by means in vitro assays. The extracts were applied in concentrations of 250, 500, 1000, 2500 e 5000 µg ml-1 in PDA culture medium. In bioassays, it was found the significant effect of plant, concentration and also their interaction on the antifungal activity of the extracts. However, some extracts showed no inhibition of mycelial growth of the pathogens studied. Among those who had higher inhibitions is the extract of Lantana trifolia, which inhibited the mycelial growth of S. rolfsii in all concentrations, being the same as 97% for the highest concentration. When the methanol extract of Piper amplum Kunth, inhibition of the highest concentration was 83% for S. rolfsii and 74% for R. solani. These results show the potential of methanolic extract of Lantana trifolia and Piper amplum Kunth in the control set of plant pathogens studied.

Apesar da produtividade do feijão comum no Tocantins ser economicamente favorável, o mesmo pode ser infectado por vários patógenos habitantes do solo, dentre as principais doenças encontra-se a mela e a podridão radicular causadas pelo fungo Rhizoctonia solani e a podridão do colo causada pelo fungo Sclerotium rolfsii. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade fungitóxica dos extratos metanólicos de oito espécies vegetais sobre a inibição do crescimento micelial de Sclerotium rolfsii e Rhizoctonia solani. As atividades fungitóxicas foram realizadas perante a inibição do crescimento micelial por meio de ensaios in vitro, sendo os extratos aplicados nas concentrações de 250, 500, 1000, 2500 e 5000 µg ml-1 em meio de cultura BDA. Observou-se o efeito significativo dos fatores planta, concentração e também da interação destes sobre as atividades fungitóxicas. No entanto, alguns extratos não apresentaram inibição do crescimento micelial dos fitopatógenos estudados. Entre os que apresentaram maiores inibições encontra-se o extrato de Lantana trifolia, que inibiu o crescimento micelial do S. rolfsii em todas as concentrações, sendo o mesmo de 97% para a maior concentração. Já a concentração mais elevada do extrato metanólico de Piper amplum apresentou inibição de 83% sobre o crescimento micelial de S. rolfsii e 74% sobre o crescimento micelial de R. solani. Tais resultados evidenciam a potencialidade dos extratos metanólicos das folhas de Lantana trifolia e de Piper amplum no controle dos fitopatógenos estudados.

Phylogenetic Placement and Morphological Characterization of Sclerotium rolfsii (Teleomorph: Athelia rolfsii) Associated with Blight Disease of Ipomoea batatas in Korea

In this study, we aimed to characterize fungal samples from necrotic lesions on collar regions observed in different sweetpotato growing regions during 2015 and 2016 in Korea. Sclerotia appeared on the root zone soil surface, and white dense mycelia were observed. At the later stages of infection, mother roots quickly rotted, and large areas of the plants were destroyed. The disease occurrence was monitored at 45 and 84 farms, and 11.8% and 6.8% of the land areas were found to be infected in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Fungi were isolated from disease samples, and 36 strains were preserved. Based on the cultural and morphological characteristics of colonies, the isolates resembled the reference strain of Sclerotium rolfsii. Representative strains were identified as S. rolfsii (teleomorph: Athelia rolfsii) based on phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit genes along with morphological observations. To test the pathogenicity, sweetpotato storage roots were inoculated with different S. rolfsii strains. ‘Yulmi’ variety displayed the highest disease incidence, whereas ‘Pungwonmi’ resulted in the least. These findings suggested that morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analysis were useful for identification of S. rolfsii.

The improvement of competitive saprophytic capabilities of Trichoderma species through the use of chemical mutagens

Abstract The antagonistic potential of Trichoderma strains was assayed by studying the effect of their culture filtrate on the radial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal agent of chickpea collar rot. Trichoderma harzianum-1432 (42.2%) and Trichoderma atroviride (40.3%) were found to be strong antagonists. To enhance their antagonistic potential, mutagenesis of these two selected strains was performed. Two mutants, Th-m1 and T. atroviride m1, were found to be more effective than their parent strains. The enzymatic activities of the selected parent and mutant strains were assayed, and although both mutants were found to have enhanced enzymatic activities compared to their respective parent strains, Th-m1 possessed the maximum cellulase (5.69 U/mL) and β-1,3-glucanase activity (61.9 U/mL). Th-m1 also showed high competitive saprophytic ability (CSA) among all of the selected parent and mutant strains, and during field experiments, Th-m1 was found to successfully possess enhanced disease control (82.9%).

Optimizing culture conditions for the antagonistic activities of Trichoderma viride against Sclerotium rolfsii causative agent of southern blight disease of tomato

Aims: Sclerotium rolfsii is a pathogen of agricultural crops such as tomatoes. Trichoderma viride has been shown to control this pathogen effectively but the optimum conditions of this biocontrol agent need to be determined. This piece of research was therefore aimed at studying the conditions that could be maintained in maximizing the full potential of T. viride. Methodology and results: Malt extract agar was separately supplemented with different carbon sources (glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, and mannitol), nitrogen sources (peptone, ammonium nitrate, zinc nitrate and sodium nitrate) as well as salts (NaCl, CaCl2, KI, BaCl2) at different concentrations. Effect of different temperature and pH ranges was also evaluated. All the carbon used supported the growth of both S. rolfsii and T. viride at all concentrations. The growth of S. rolfsii was less than 90 mm at 3% of all the carbon used compared to the plates in which no carbon sources were added whereas the growth of T. viride was 90 mm. There were morphological changes in the growth of both T. viride and S. rolfsii with increase in concentrations of peptone and ammonium nitrate. The greenish colour of T. viride was completely lost while S. rolfsii became fluffier. For peptone, the percentage reduction ranged from 68.52 to 63.33 while for zinc nitrate and sodium nitrate, the percentage reduction ranged from 85.19 to 80.74 and 55.00 to 43.70 respectively. Also, there was increase in antagonistic property of T. viride with the inclusion of salts (NaCl, CaCl2 and KI) at all concentrations used. However, barium chloride was toxic to T. viride at 2-5% (w/v). The optimum temperature and pH for the antagonistic property of T. viride appeared to be 37 °C and 6.0 respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Inclusion of different carbon, nitrogen and salts increased the antagonistic activities of T. viride against S. rolfsii although lactose appeared to be the best carbon source while zinc nitrate and CaCl2 were the best nitrogen and salt respectively. Barium chloride was toxic to T. viride at 2-5% (w/v).

Potential of Microbispora sp. V2 as biocontrol agent against Sclerotium rolfsii, the causative agent of southern blight of Zea mays L (Baby corn)–in vitro studies.

The study was undertaken with the aim of exploring novel and beneficial agro activities of rare actinomycetes like Microbispora sp. V2. The antagonistic activity of Microbispora sp. V2 was evaluated as a biocontrol agents against Sclerotium rolfsii, a soil-borne fungal plant pathogen. The methodology performed for evaluation of biocontrol agent was in vitro evaluation assay which comprised of three tests viz., cellophane overlay technique, seed germination test and Thiram (fungicide) tolerance of Microbispora sp. V2. The isolate was found to inhibit the fungal pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii to 91.43% in cellophane assay. In seed germination assay, Microbispora sp. V2 treated seeds resulted in 25.75% increased germination efficiency, as compared to seeds infected by Sclerotium rolfsii. The isolate Microbispora sp. V2 could tolerate 1000 µg mL-1 of Thiram (fungicide). The in vitro assay studies proved that Microbispora sp. V2 can be used as antifungal antagonist and thus posses’ great potential as biocontrol agent against southern blight caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Zea mays L (Baby corn) which causes large economical losses.

Evaluation of Trichoderma SPP. Against Sclerotium Rolfsii In Vitro.

To evaluate the effect of Trichoderma spp. on radial growth of Sclerotium rolfsii, three species of Trichoderma viz., Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum were selected. The results from this experiment revealed that T. viride (TvL), T. harzianum 4 (Th 4) and T. harzianum 14 (Th14) isolates were found effective and showed lowest radial growth of 3.50 cm and highest per cent inhibition (56.25%) of S. rolfsii but were statistically on par with each other. The highest radial growth (4.23 cm) and lowest per cent inhibition (47.1%) were recorded with T. longibrachiatum (Tl2). Results from non-volatile assay indicated that irrespective of concentration, culture filtrate of T. viride (TvL) was found to be most effective; recorded lowest radial growth and highest per cent inhibition followed by T. harzianum 14 (Th14) and T. harzianum 4 (Th4).

Effect of Bio-Control Agents on Radial Growth of Sclerotium Rolfsii In Vitro.

To know the efficacy of bio-control agents on growth of Sclerotium rolfsii causing stem rot of groundnut, an in vitro study was conducted in the Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College, Bapatla. For this, three Trichoderma spp., two Pseudomonas fluorescens isolates and one Bacillus subtilis were selected as biocontrol agents. We observed that, there is a significant difference among all the treatments. The lowest radial growth (1.9 cm) and highest per cent inhibition (79.26%) were recorded with T. viride PDBC isolate followed by T. harzianum 4 (2.3 cm and 74.81%) and Trichoderma harzianum PDBC (2.6 cm and 70.74%) isolates, respectively. Among the bacterial isolates, lowest radial growth (4.6 cm) and highest per cent inhibition (48.89%) of S. rolfsii were recorded with Bacillus subtilis PDBC isolate. But the highest radial growth (7.6 cm) and lowest per cent inhibition (15.56%) was recorded with P. fluorescens SPA1 isolate.

Manejo da podridão-de-Sclerotium em pimentão em um argisolo no Amazonas / Southern blight management of bell pepper in an argissol in the Amazonas State

Southern blight is a common disease in plants belonging to the Solanaceae family in the Amazon. To compare southern blight management strategies for bell pepper (Capsicum annuum, L. Solanaceae) a field experiment was conducted in a split plot design with main plots arranged in randomized blocks, with six replicates for each treatment, in a red-yellow Argisol (Ultisol) artificially infested with Sclerotium rolfsii. The main factor was soil cover (sawdust mulch or bare soil) The secondary factors were the incorporation to the soil: 1) compost (3 L by planting hole), 2) rice colonized by Trichoderma harzianum (90 g by planting hole, with ≈ 1.4 x 10(9) conidia g-1) and 3) compost and T. harzianum in the same proportion described previously; 4) control. All plants were fertilized with 1.5 L of compost by planting hole except those in the treatments with 3 L of compost by hole. The main plot had three rows with ten bell pepper plants (0.50 x 1.0 m) and the subplot, three rows with five plants. Southern blight incidence was accessed twice a week. The sawdust mulch increased the disease incidence significantly. In the mulched plots the disease intensity, expressed as the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), increase 35.5% compared with bare soil. Trichoderma harzianum or the increase in the amount of compost (1.5 L to 3 L by planting hole) reduced the AUDPC by 38.1% and of 37.5%, respectively. Furthermore T. harzianum or the increase in the amount of compost, even with sawdust mulch added, reduced the AUDPC by 52.8% and in 55.1%, respectively, in comparison with mulch alone. These results suggested that the utilization of T. harzianum or the increase in the amount of compost by planting hole are viable strategies to southern blight management in bell pepper. The sawdust surface mulch is not recommended in an S. rolfsii infested area.

A podridão-de-Sclerotium é uma doença comum em plantas da família Solanaceae na Amazônia. Visando avaliar estratégias de manejo para esta doença em pimentão (Capsicum annuum, L. Solanaceae), foi conduzido experimento em campo em blocos casualizados com parcelas subdivididas e seis repetições, em Argissolo Vermelho-Amarelo artificialmente infestado com Sclerotium rolfsii. O tratamento principal foi a cobertura do solo (cobertura do solo com serragem ou solo nu). Os tratamentos secundários consistiram na adição ao solo de: 1) composto vegetal (3 L por cova), 2) arroz colonizado com Trichoderma harzianum (90 g por cova contendo ≈ 1,4 x 10(9) conídios g-1), 3) composto vegetal e T. harzianum nas mesmas proporções descritas anteriormente e 4) testemunha. Todas as plantas receberam apenas adubação orgânica com composto vegetal na proporção de 1,5 L por cova, exceto as dos tratamentos com 3 L de composto por cova. A parcela principal foi constituída de três fileiras com dez plantas de pimentão (0,50 x 1,0 m) e cada subparcela continha três fileiras com cinco plantas. A incidência da podridão-de-Sclerotium foi avaliada duas vezes por semana. A cobertura morta favoreceu significativamente a ocorrência da doença. Nas parcelas com esse tratamento o aumento da intensidade da doença, expressa em área abaixo da curva de progresso da doença (AACPD), foi 35,5% maior, em comparação com as parcelas sem cobertura morta. A aplicação de T. harzianum ou o incremento na quantidade de composto (de 1,5 para 3 L por cova) reduziu a AACPD em 38,1% e 37,5%, respectivamente. A aplicação de T. harzianum ou o incremento na quantidade de composto, mesmo nos tratamentos com cobertura morta, reduziu significativamente a AACPD em 52,8% e em 55,1%, respectivamente, em comparação com o tratamento apenas com cobertura morta. Esses resultados sugerem que a utilização de T. harzianum e o aumento na quantidade de composto por cova são estratégias eficientes de manejo da podridão-de-Sclerotium em...

Evaluación in vitro de aislamientos de Trichoderma harzianum para el control de Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii y Fusarium oxysporum en plantas de tomate / In vitro evaluation of Trichoderma harzianum for control of Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum in tomato plants

En este estudio se determinó la capacidad antagónica de aislamientos de T. harzianum para el control de Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii y Fusarium oxysporum en raíces de plantas de tomate. Se obtuvieron 6 aislamientos de T. harzianum de 6 municipios del estado Trujillo, empleando la técnica de siembra directa de raíces en agar agua acidificada. El antagonismo se realizó en cultivos duales utilizando agar papa dextrosa, incubados a 25 ºC, bajo un diseño al azar, con 18 tratamientos conformados por cada aislamiento de T. harzianum y cada patógeno, 3 tratamientos testigos correspondientes a cada patógeno y 3 repeticiones por tratamiento, evaluándose el modo de acción e inhibición del crecimiento radial al tercer día. Todos los aislamientos de T. harzianum mostraron un rápido crecimiento sin diferencias significativas entre ellos (p>0,05), aún cuando se observó que el T121 fue más eficaz como controlador. Al comparar el crecimiento de los aislamientos de T. harzianum con el de los hongos patógenos, se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (p<0,05). Cuatro aislamientos de T. harzianum presentaron acción micoparasítica y dos de tipo antibiosis, mecanismos característicos de estas especies de biocontroladores. Todos los aislamientos de T. harzianum estudiados pueden ser utilizados para el control de patógenos de tomate.

This study determined the antagonistic capacity of T. harzianum isolates for control of Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum in the roots of tomato plants. Six T. harzianum isolates were obtained from 6 municipalities of Trujillo State, using the direct inoculation of roots in acidified water agar technique. The antagonism was carried out in dual cultures using potato dextrose agar, incubated at 25 ºC, under a random design, with 18 treatments conformed for each T. harzianum isolate and each pathogen, 3 control treatments corresponding to each pathogen, and 3 repetitions per treatment, evaluating the mode of action and inhibition of radial growth at the third day. All the T. harzianum isolates showed rapid growth without significant differences among them (p>0.05), even though it was observed that T121 was more efficient as controller. When comparing the growth of the T. harzianum isolates with that of the pathogenic fungi, there were significant differences (p<0.05). Four T. harzianum isolates showed mycoparasitic action, and two antibiosis type action, which are characteristic mechanisms of these bio-controlling species. All the T. harzianum isolates studied can be used for the control of tomato pathogens.

First Report of Sclerotium Rot on Cymbidium Orchids Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Korea

Sclerotium rot was found on Cymbidium orchids at Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea, in July, 2010. Symptoms occurred on low leaves, which turned yellowish, after which the entire plant wilted. Severely infected plants were blighted and eventually died. White mycelial mats and sclerotia appeared on pseudobulbs. Based on the mycological characteristics and pathogenicity, the causal fungus was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii. This is the first report of new Sclerotium rot on Cymbidium spp. caused by S. rolfsii in Korea.

Investigations on fungicidal sensitivity of trichoderma spp and sclerotium rolfsii (collar rot pathogen) in crossandra.

Crossandra is an important flower plant of our country earning a lot of revenue and trade. Of different diseases affecting crossandra cultivation, collar rot induced by Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. is an important soil borne disease causing devastating losses. In the present study, the sensitivity of the collar rot pathogen was investigated. Also the compatibility of fungal biocontrol agent, Trichoderma spp. with these fungicides was worked out to for further devising Integrated Management strategies for collar rot disease. Four fungicides, viz., captan 50% WP, propiconazole 25% EC, thiophanate-methyl 70% WP and thiram 75% SD were evaluated at five different concentrations against collar rot pathogen, S. rolfsii. Further, the compatibility of these fungicides and the antagonist Trichoderma isolate-1 (T1). Results indicated that the fungicides, propiconazole, thiram and captan have significantly reduced the mycelial growth of test pathogen over control. Maximum inhibition was with propiconazole (100%), followed by thiram (81%) and captan (78%). Results on compatibility of Trichoderma spp. with these fungicides revealed that the bioagent was highly compatible with thiram (32% growth inhibition), followed by captan (47.5%). However, the Trichoderma isolate is not compatible with thiophanate methyl (88% growth inhibition) and propiconazole (100% growth inhibition). The Trichoderma isolate-1 (T1) and the fungicide, thiram were selected for further studies to devise integrated management strategies against collar rot disease.

Occurrence of Sclerotium Rot in Allium tuberosum Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Korea

In this study, we characterized sporadically occurring sclerotium rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Chinese chive (Allium tuberosum Roth.) in farm fields in Sacheon, Korea. The initial symptom of the disease was water-soaked, which progressed to rotting, wilting, blighting, and eventually death. Further, mycelial mats spread over the lesions near the soil line, and sclerotia formed on the scaly stem and leaves. The sclerotia were globoid, 1~3 mm, and white to brown. The optimum temperature for growth and sclerotia formation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) was 30degrees C. The diameter of the hypae ranged from 4 to 8 microm. Clamp connection was observed on PDA medium after 5 days of incubation. Based on the mycological characteristics, internal transcribed spacer sequence analysis, and pathogenicity test, the causal agent was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo. This is the first report of sclerotium rot in Chinese chive caused by S. rolfsii in Korea.

First Report of Stem Rot on Asiatic Dayflower (Commelina communis L.) Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Korea

Stem rot was found for the first time on the Asiatic dayflower plant (Commelina communis L.) in Korea. A detailed description of this Korean specimen is given, along with its rDNA internal transcribed spacer sequence. The fungus was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo based on mycological characteristics and molecular data.

Isolation and fusion of protoplasts from the phytopathogenic fungus Sclerotium rolfsii (Sacc. )

Sclerotium rolfsii (Sacc.) is a serious plant pathogenic fungus and lacks perfect (basidial) stage in production. Protoplast fusion technology was employed to reconstruct fusants from this fungus. Two strains designated as A and R were used. Maximum protoplast yields of 3.8x10(5) /g mycelia and 2.8x10(5) /g mycelia were formed in strains A and R respectively. Osmotic stabilizer sucrose 1M gave maximum yield. Lysing enzyme at the rate of 15mg/ml was found best for yield. Fusion of protoplasts from strains A and R was carried out in fusion media containing PEG 4000 30 percent (w/v) with 0.2mM CaCl2. Four fusants F1, F2, F3 and F4 were recovered. Morphological, physiological and pathogenic characters of fusants were compared with parent strains on carrots, beans and tomato.

Stem Rot of Garlic (Allium sativum) Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii

Stem rot disease was found in garlic (Allium sativum L.) cultivated from 2008 to 2010 in the vegetable gardens of some farmers in Geumsan-myon, Jinju City, Gyeongnam province in Korea. The initial symptoms of the disease were typical water-soaked spots, which progressed to rotting, wilting, blighting, and eventually death. White mycelial mats had spread over the lesions near the soil line, and sclerotia had formed over the mycelial mats on the stem. The sclerotia were globoid in shape, 1~3 mm in size, and tan to brown in color. The optimum temperature for growth and sclerotia formation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium was 30degrees C. The diameter of the hyphae ranged from approximately 4 to 8 microm. Typical clamp connection structures were observed in the hyphae of the fungus, which was grown on PDA medium for 4 days. On the basis of the mycological characteristics and pathogenicity of the fungus on the host plants, the causal agent was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo. This is the first report of stem rot disease in garlic caused by S. rolfsii in Korea.

Occurrence of Fruit Rot of Melon Caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in Korea

In 2007 to 2008, a fruit rot of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii occurred sporadically in a farmer's vinyl house in Jinju City. The symptoms started with watersoaking lesion and progressed into the rotting of the surface of fruit. White mycelial mats appeared on the lesion at the surface of the fruit and a number of sclerotia formed on the fruit near the soil line. The sclerotia were globoid in shape, 1~3 mm in size, and white to brown in color. The hyphal width was measured 3 to 8 microm. The optimum temperature for mycelial growth and sclerotia formation was 30 on PDA. Typical clamp connections were observed in hyphae of grown for 4 days on PDA. On the basis of symptoms, mycological characteristics and pathogenicity to the host plant, this fungus was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo. This is the first report of the fruit rot of Melon caused by S. rolfsii in Korea.

Sclerotium rolfsii associated with Atractyloides macrocephala Loidz. and initial study on some control measures

Study on the symptoms of the diseases on infected Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. in Ha Noi, Hung Yen and Lao Cai province. Results: Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. was infected with harmful disease such as root ulcer caused by Rhizoctonia solani, tuber stink caused by Fusarium solani, brown spot and leaf burn due to Pestalozia sp. The fungus Sclerotium rolfssi isolated from A.macrocephala grew best on PGA medium with the most sclerotia produced at pH=6, was similar with those isolated from tomatoes. Trichoderma viride, a biological product can inhibit the growth of S.rolfsii with 85.49% efficacy and can be applied to control this fungus in the field. Chemical material Ridomil 0.05% can annihilate Sclerotium rolfsii fungus with 100% efficacy after 3 cultured days