Efficacy of bio-agents and chemicals against Penicillium islandicum inflicting blue mould rot in Indian gooseberry

Indian gooseberry or Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn. Synonym Phyllanthus emblica L.) is an important indigenous fruit of Indian sub-continent and is well known for its medicinal and nutritional value. In India, nearly 20–35% of perishable fruits and vegetables are lost due to post harvest diseases. Blue mould rot of aonla caused by Penicillium islandicum Sopp. is the most devastating disease causing substantial quantitative and qualitative losses. Present investigations were undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of five bio-agents and five chemicals in vitro and in vivo against P. islandicum causing blue mould rot of Indian gooseberry. Trichoderma harzianum was found to be the most effective bio-agent both under in vitro and in vivo conditions in inhibiting the mycelial growth of the pathogen and in reducing the blue mould rot severity followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens and T. viride. Among the chemicals, boric acid proved most inhibitory to the fungus and provided maximum protection from the disease followed by potassium carbonate and sodium benzoate.