Biocontrol potential of rust of groundnut by Acremonium obclavatum

Abstract

Acremonium obclavatum was frequently found associated with pustules of the rust fungus Puccinia arachidis on groundnut in Madras, India. Inoculation of A. obclavatum before, with, or after inoculation with P. arachidis reduced the number and size of uredosori both on intact and detached leaves of groundnut plants. Treatments with A. obclavatum resulted in reductions in number of pustules and uredospores, delay in maturity and opening of uredosori, and reduced viability of uredospores. The application of culture filtrates of A. obclavatum also reduced the number and size of pustules on intact and detached groundnut leaves. The potential use of A. obclavatum in biological control of groundnut rust is discussed. Key words: groundnut, Arachis hypogaea, groundnut rust, Puccinia arachidis, Acremonium obclavatum, biological control.