Coniochaeta ligniaria an endophytic fungus from Baeckea frutescens and its antagonistic effects against plant pathogenic fungi

Abstract

Coniochaeta ligniaria (KUFC 5891), an endophyte was isolated from leaves of Baeckea frutescens (Myrtaceae) obtained from the Phu Luang wildlife sanctuary, Loei province, Thailand. The fungus was characterized by the characteristics of its colony and the morphological features of its sexual and asexual stages. The fungus in dual culture with various plant pathogens showed strong inhibitory effects, especially to Pythium aphanidermatum, Phytophthora palmivora, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Rhizoctonia oryzae. A crude ethyl acetate extract of a rice based media, at 100 ppm yield completely suppressed P. palmivora with higher concentrations needed to inhibit P. aphanidermatum and other fungal pathogens. This organism and its crude ethyl acetate extract has potential for control of various plant diseases including some of the most important diseases caused by P. palmivora.