Efficacy of four indigenous Penicillium fungal isolates and Aspergillus fumigatus on Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis lycopersici (FORL)

Abstract In search for indigenous soil borne fungi with bio-control properties against plant pathogenic F. oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) resulted in the isolation of five fungal species. These were identified as: Penicillium commune-1 (MK660351.1), P. commune-2 (MK660335.1), Aspergillus fumigatus (MN178806.1), P. concavorugulosum-1 (MK841454.1) and P. concavorugulosum-2 (MK841454.1). An in vitro dual culture plate experiment was carried out to assess radial growth inhibition and growth competitiveness of potential antagonism on FORL. Analysis of the fungal bio-agents’ interactions with FORL showed occurrence of various relationships such as antibiosis, competition and mycoparasitism. High inhibition effect of P. concavorugulosum-2 (67.9%) and A. fumigatus (65.36%) against FORL was established. The other test isolates’ inhibition was not significant as they ranged from 9–29%. A conclusion can be drawn that P. concavorugulosum-2 and A. fumigatus contain potential bio-antagonistic properties that suppressed of growth of FORL. These fungal isolates should be considered as good candidates for development as commercial bio-control agents as individuals or in combination. However, these species’ suppressive properties should be evaluated under natural soil conditions where various biotic and abiotic factors could influence the efficacy.