African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (9), pp. 703-706, 2 May 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of metabolites produced by Trichoderma species against Ceratocystis paradoxa in culture medium

E.I. Eziashi^1*, N.U. Uma², A.A. Adekunle², C.E. Airede¹

¹Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Plant Pathology Division, P.M.B. 1030 Benin City, Edo State. Nigeria.

²Department of Botany and Microbiology, University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos State. Nigeria.

*Corresponding authors E-mail: eziashius@yahoo.com.

Accepted 4 April, 2006

Metabolites released from Trichoderma viride, T. polysporum, T. hamatum and T. aureoviride were tested in culture medium against Ceratocystis paradoxa, which causes black seed rot in oil palm sprouted seeds. The Trichoderma metabolites had similar fungistatic effects on the growth of C. paradoxa except those from T. aureoviride. The inhibition varied depending on the Trichoderma species producing the metabolites; from 2.0% to 64% in volatile, 0.0% to 74% in non-volatile and 0.0% to 81% from direct-diffusible metabolites. C. paradoxa growth was significantly reduced in the presence of metabolites produced by T. viride and T. polysporum than the other species. T. aureoviride had the least growth inhibition, and medium containing direct-diffusible metabolite supported highest inhibition of C. paradoxa.

Key words: Metabolite, Trichoderma, Ceratocystis paradoxa, Fungistatic.