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International Journal of
Agriculture and Plant Science
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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
In vitro antagonistic activity of fungal and bacterial bioagents against Alternaria solani causing early blight of tomato
Authors
P S Vajrawad, A T Daunde, C V Ambadkar, S L Badgujar, B M Kalalbandi
Abstract
Early blight caused by Alternaria solani is an important foliar disease of tomato. Biological control offers a sustainable option for reducing dependence on repeated fungicide applications. The present investigation was conducted during 2025-26 at the Department of Plant Pathology, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. Selected fungal and bacterial bioagents were evaluated against A. solani under in vitro conditions. The pathogen was isolated from naturally infected tomato leaves. It was purified on Potato Dextrose Agar and identified on the basis of cultural and morphological characteristics. Seven bioagent treatments and an untreated control were evaluated in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Fungal antagonists were tested by dual culture using opposing mycelial discs. Bacterial antagonists were evaluated by a modified dual culture assay using bacterial streaks and a central pathogen disc. All tested bioagents significantly restricted pathogen growth compared with the untreated control. The untreated control recorded 90.00 mm colony diameter. Trichoderma viride (VNMKV-1) recorded the minimum colony diameter of 35.98 mm. It also showed maximum mycelial growth inhibition of 60.02%. Pseudomonas fluorescens (VNMKV-1) ranked next with 36.56 mm and 59.38% inhibition. T. viride 2.0% AS recorded 37.50 mm and 58.33% inhibition. Bacillus subtilis treatments produced moderate inhibition. P. fluorescens-1 showed the lowest inhibition among the bioagents at 45.00%. The findings demonstrated clear strain-dependent variation. Trichoderma viride (VNMKV-1) and P. fluorescens (VNMKV-1) were identified as promising antagonists. They warrant further evaluation in biological management of tomato early blight.
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Pages:426-431
How to cite this article:
P S Vajrawad, A T Daunde, C V Ambadkar, S L Badgujar, B M Kalalbandi "In vitro antagonistic activity of fungal and bacterial bioagents against Alternaria solani causing early blight of tomato". International Journal of Agriculture and Plant Science, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 426-431

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