Abstract:
Leaf foliar pathogens have very destructive effect on rubber plant growth and yield
losses. Although chemical methods have been developed to control the pathogen but
they have many limitations due to health hazards and environmental problems. In this
background, the present study was taken to identify a suitable medium to grow bio
control agents and assessment for its suitability as substrate for mass multiplication of
endophytic fungi and bacteria.
Potato broth and jaggery are rich in nutrients and, used to formulate liquid media for
the growth of endophytic microorganisms. Media were prepared under three
concentrations. Potato broth media were prepared with 200 g potato broth and 200 g
sugar, 100 g potato broth and 100 g sugar, and 50 g potato broth and 50 g sugar
dissolved in 1 I of distilled water, producing three media concentrations 1,2 and 3,
respectively. Jaggery media were prepared with 200 g, 100 g and 50 g of jaggery
dissolved in 1 I of distilled water, producing three media concentrations 1, 2, and 3,
respectively.
For endophytic fungi 02 and endophytic fungi 05, highest mycelial growth, highest
spore count and highest colony count were found in potato broth highest media
concentration (media concentration 1). And also for endophytic bacteria 100 (2) and,
endophytic bacteria 203 (1), highest cell count and colony count were found in potato
broth media concentration 1.
Endophytic fungi 02 and endophytic fungi 05 showed the highest inhibition against
Colletotrichum gigasporum and C. tropicale respectively. Endophytic bacteria 100 (2)
and endophytic bacteria 203 (1) showed the highest inhibition against C. tropicale and
C.fructicola respectively.
Considering highest mycelial growth, highest cell count and highest colony count,
potato broth media at media concentration I could be suggested for culturing the
endophytic microorganisms.
