Screening ofTrichodermaIsolates as a Biological Control Agent againstCeratocystis paradoxaCausing Pineapple Disease of Sugarcane

In this study, dual culture, poison agar, and direct methods were used to assess the ability of Trichoderma virens IMI-392430, T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431, T. harzianum IMI-392432, T. harzianum IMI-392433, and T. harzianum IMI-392434 to control Ceratocystis paradoxa, which causes the pineapple disease of sugarcane. The highest percentage inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) values were observed with T. harzianum IMI-392432 using two dual culture methods, 63.80% in Method I and 80.82% in Method II. The minimum colony overgrowth time was observed with T. harzianum IMI-392432 and the maximum was observed with T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431. Different concentrations of different day-old metabolites of Trichoderma isolates were tested against mycelial growth of C. paradoxa. The highest PIRG (84.685%) exhibited at 80% concentration of 30-day-old metabolites of T. harzianum IMI-392432 using the modified bilayer poison agar method. In the direct assay method the maximum mycelial growth weight (PIGW) was observed at the same concentration and the same day-old metabolites of T. harzianum IMI-392432. This study showed that Trichoderma isolates have a good antagonistic effect on C. paradoxa mycelial growth and T. harzianum IMI-392432 has the most potential to control the pineapple disease pathogen.