Effect of Organic Matter Sources on In vitro Growth and Enzyme Production by Pythium indicum M. S. Balakr., a Damping-Off Pathogen and its Fungal Antagonist, Trichoderma viride Pers.: Fr.

Abstract

All organic matter sources showed inhibitory effect on the in vitro growth of Pythium indicum M.S. Balakr., while most of them support the growth of Trichoderma viride Pers.: Fr. Several organic matter sources increase the production of PTE-ase and Protease enzymes of fungal antagonist. However, the synthesis of Protease enzyme by pathogen was suppressed by all organic matter sources, while PTE·ase enzyme production was inhibited by few organic matter sources. Synthesis of cellulase by P. indicum was induced by many organic matter sources, but in case of T. viride. the same was inhibited except neem cake and wheat bran. Out of 12 organic matter sources tested, Neem cake and Wheat bran support the antagonist on its in vitro growth and synthesis of all the three enzymes as compared to control! pathogen.