Effect of trace elements on mycelial growth and sporulation of Alternata alternata (Fr.) Keissler causing black heart of pomegranate

Fruit rot of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) caused by Alternaria alternata is one of most serious post harvest disease in throughout India.Rotted pomegranates were collected from various localities of Maharashtra.A total fifteen isolates of Alternaria alternata were isolated from rotted Pomegranate.Their sensitivity was tested against carbendazim.MIC of all these isolates was obtained ranges from (834.6 g/ml -1123.8g/ml).The isolate Aa13 was sensitive, while isolate Aa15 was resistant .Total of seven trace elementswereused forthe growthofA.alternata.There was significant variation in the growth of the both sensitive and resistant mutant in various trace elements.However,the growth was also higher in case of resistant strain when compared with sensitive isolate.Interestingly no trace element enhanced the growth of both the strains over control.Copper sulphate and cobalt sulphatewere highly inhibitory.Ferrous sulphategave higher sporulation in sensitiveand resistant strain, while moderate sporulation in magnesium sulphat e, manganese sulphate and sodium sulphateand without trace elements serve as control.