Identification of Trichoderma asperellum from selected fruit plantations of Sri Lanka

Three isolates of Trichoderma asperellum (TR1, TR2, and TP3) isolated from soil samples collected from rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) and pineapple (Ananas comosus) plantations in Sri Lanka had similar characteristics with respect to growth at different temperature, pH and media. The three isolates are reported to be antagonistic to fungal pathogens of pineapple (i.e. Thielaviopsis paradoxa) and rambutan (i.e. Colletotrichum gloeosporioides). Analysis of genome DNA of the isolates showed that the isolated fungi were T. asperellum. This is the first report of the occurrence of T. asperellum in Sri Lanka.

Keywords: Biocontrol agent, fungi, Trichoderma asperellum.

J.Natn.Sci.Foundation Sri Lanka 2010 38 (2):125-129

Doi: 10.4038/jnsfsr.v38i2.2037