Effect of time of application of biocontrol agents for the management of crown rot disease in banana (Musa acuminata L.)

Crown rot disease caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griffon and Maubl. and Colletotrichum musae (Berk and Curtis) Arx. is the major problem in banana cv. Robusta. Efficacy of application time of biocontrol agents in postharvest environment in relation to pathogen infection is an important factor in controlling the crown rot disease of banana. Trichoderma viride isolates TV3 and TV4 which showed effectiveness against both pathogens in vitro were applied at different time intervals in relation to the time of pathogen inoculation in order to know the effective application time of biocontrol agents. Biocontrol agents were applied 2 and 4 h before pathogen inoculation; simultaneous challenge inoculation;and 2, 4 h after pathogen inoculation. The results indicated that the highest reduction of crown rot disease of banana was achieved when the biocontrol agents were applied 4 and 2 h before pathogen inoculation (preventive method of application) compared with the other treatments.