Evaluation of Trichoderma Strains Against Cercospora rauvolfiae Causing Leaf spot of Sarpagandha

Rauvolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot) commonly known as sarpgandha is a rich source of alkaloids, utilized for its medicinal properties. Diseases caused by foliar pathogens are major constraint in the economic production of the alkaloids from the dry roots of the plant. Among these diseases leaf spot caused by Cercospora rauvolfiae is of major importance, resulting in huge economic losses. Therefore in this study an attempt was made to evaluate the efficacy of different strains of Trichoderma harzianum for management of this disease. Among various strains of Trichoderma harzianum, Th 32 showed maximum inhibition of mycelial growth followed by Th-9 (77.35%), Th-28 (74.71%) and Th-56 (73.24%), while least inhibition was recorded in Th-60 (73.09%).