In vitro Efficacy and Population Dynamics of Fungal and Bacterial Antagonists against Chilli Damping Off

Damping off caused by Pythium aphanidermatum is one of the destructive diseases in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) worldwide.The present study was carried in vitro conditions to assess the possible use of antagonists (biocontrol agents) in field conditions.Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas flourescens and Bacillus subtilis were evaluated for bio-assay study by production of volatile metabolites.Study revealed that Trichoderma harzianum caused 90.94 and 92.32 per cent mycelial growth inhibition of Pythium aphanidermatum respectively compared to bacterial antagonists.Population dynamic studies in pots under greenhouse conditions showed T 11 with high/rich rhizospheric population of bio-control agents (antagonists) in the soil as 3.25 and 4.83 cfu x 10 5 /g soil at 30 and 60 days after inoculation.