In vitro effect of systemic fungicides, temperature, media, pH and light on growth and sporulation of Fusarium semitectum

Out of five systemic fungicides, carbendazim was found most effective at 50 ppm, inhibiting the radial growth completely followed thiophanate M and propiconazole. At 30ppm, carbendazim and propiconazole were on par (5.66 mm radial growth) showing 91.2% growth inhibition over the check. Amongst the solid media, corn meal agar resulted maximum radial growth (53.66mm) after 48 hrs. of incubation followed by PDA (51.33). The maximum sporulation (7.66 x 10⁸/ml) was recorded in corn meal agar followed by Yeast extract dextrose agar (4.1 x 10⁸/ml). Maximum dry weight (953.3mg) was recorded in corn meal agar medium followed by 645.0 mg in Richard's medium. The growth and sporulation were investigated at different levels of temperature and pH at 25°C and pH 6.5 respectively, maximum radial growth. Fungus grew and sporulated well when resulted inoculated plates were kept in alternate light and dark (12–12 hrs) conditions.