Management of rice seed borne pathogens by native bio-agents

Among fungal isolates screened from the native environment of rhizosphere and phylloplane of rice, six isolates showed promising efficiency as bio-control agents against rice seed borne pathogens in vitro and in vivo. The bio-control agents were able to inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of pathogens in vitro. Seed pelleting treatments with Aspergillus terreus, AF, Penicillium oxalicum, SL and Trichoderma viride resulted in maximum reduction in the seed infection by Heliminthosporium oryzae (90.4%). Sarocladium oryzae seed infection was completely reduced by A. fumigatus, Asp, P. oxalicum, SL8 and T. viride, while A. terreus, AF2, A. fumigatus, Asp, P. oxalicum, SL8 and T. viride completely inhibited Trichoconis padwickii seed infection. Highest control of brown spot incidence was noticed in Aspergillus terrus, AF treatment with a reduction of 43.5% of disease severity under field conditions.