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Improved mycoherbicidal activity of Fusarium
arthrosporioides
Olubukola O. Babalola
Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture,
Science and Technology, North-West University, Mafikeng
Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa.
E-mail:
olubukola.babalola@nwu.ac.za.
Accepted 5 July, 2010 |
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Fusarium
arthrosporioides plus cellulase was evaluated on
tomato root systems to ascertain whether cellulase, a cell
wall degrading enzyme, could accelerate fungus infection of
Orobanche aegyptiaca tubercles. Chopped mycelia alone
(1.3 × 106 and 5.4 × 106 propagules ml-1)
killed 17 and 37% of Orobanche tubercles, respectively
while in the presence of cellulase (10 Uml-1)
Orobanche tubercles mortality increased to 37 and 78%.
Cellulase treatment alone was ineffective. Only a
hypersensitive reaction (9% death) resulted in the absence
of cellulase. The findings add to the commercial value of
F. arthrosporioides as a potential mycoherbicide
when sufficiently virulent.
Key words: Mycoherbicide, cellulase, Fusarium. |
