K. Manonmani* and M. Ayyandurai
Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Madurai – 625 104, Tamil Nadu, India. Corresponding e-mail: manonmani.k@tnau.ac.in
Abstract: Avocado, a vital nutritious fruit crop, faces significant threats from various pests and diseases, with
Botryosphaeria spp. emerging as a serious postharvest pathogen affecting nursery and field conditions. This pathogen was isolated from infected avocado fruits, while Trichoderma species were isolated from the avocado rhizosphere. Evaluation of
Trichoderma VOCs against
Botryosphaeria scharifii SE(TKD)-7 using a paired plate assay revealed substantial inhibition of pathogen mycelial growth. Trichoderma isolates T(MP)-7 and T(PD)-2 exhibited reduced mycelial growth of 2.4 cm and 3.2 cm, respectively, compared to the control, representing percent inhibitions of 73.33% and 64.44%, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated alterations in Botryosphaeria mycelium caused by
Trichoderma VOCs, resulting in shorter and abnormal mycelium and the absence of spore production. Moreover, GC-MS analysis identified various antifungal compounds in Trichoderma VOCs, including octane, oxirane, hexanediol, oxalic acid, and pentane-1-ol, highlighting their biocontrol potential against fungal pathogens. These findings underscore the efficacy of
Trichoderma VOCs in inhibiting pathogen growth and suggest their potential application in plant disease management strategies.
