Effect of different media and temperature on growth of Fusarium moniliforme causing foot rot of basmati rice and its survival

Investigations were conducted to find the suitable media, effect of temperature on growth of Fusarium moniliforme and its survival under different conditions. Potato Dextrose Agar was found to be best medium for growth and sporulation of F. moniliforme followed by Nutrient Glucose Agar and Richard Agar. Growth was significantly influenced at different temperatures and maximum radial growth of 81 mm was recorded at a temperature of 30±2ºC followed by 78 mm at 25±2 ºC. Studies on the survival of pathogen revealed that it can survive for longer period of time both at room temperature and in refrigerator. However, percentage of survival greatly reduced with time in both the cases. Survival of F. moniliforme in soil reduced with passage of time. The total survival period of the fungus was for five to six months in soil. It was found that in the infected grains and straw bits collected in November, 2009 after harvesting, survival percentage was > 90% up to the month of March, 2010. It further reduced to 5.55–16.10% under different conditions till January, 2011.