Isolation, identification and screening of potential antagonistic microorganism for the biocontrol of Phytophthora meadii McRae causing fruit rot of arecanut (Areca catechu L.)

Fruit rot of arecanut caused by Phytophthora meadii McRae is a major constraint in arecanut production causing substantial loss in yield. Use of biocontrol agents is effective, ecofriendly and nonhazardous possibility for fruit rot management. The present investigation focuses on the screening of potential biocontrol agents against the fruit rot pathogen. Phytophthora meadii on arecanut. Among the 14 isolates screened on dual culture method and bioassav experiments, Trichoderma viritle (04), Bacillus cereus, B. polymyxa and B. licheniformis were emerged as potential biocontrol agents.