Factors influencing growth and sporulation of <em>Gibbago trianthemae</em>, a prospective biocontrol agent

Abstract

<em>Gibbago trianthemae</em> Simmons is a fungal pathogen known as a bioherbicide, particularly against the weed, horse purslane (<em>Trianthema portulacastrum</em> L.). Here, we isolated the pathogen from diseased leaves of <em>T. portulacastrum</em> and the isolate was considered as a prospective biocontrol agent against <em>Trianthema </em>weed after preliminary screening. Extensive work on growth and sporulation of <em>G. trianthemae </em>was carried out under various factors to develop bioherbicide approach (spore inoculum treatments) to eradicate the target weed. We evaluate the effect of culture media, temperature, pH and light regimes on growth and sporulation of <em>G</em><em>. trianthemae.</em> Biocontrol efficiency of <em>G. trianthemae </em>was tested on various laboratory conditions to develop mycoherbicide potential against target weed.