Antifungal Activities of Non-volatile Compounds of Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum against Rot Fungi Associated with Ananas comosus Linn. (Pineapple)

Aim: This study investigated the inhibitory effect of non-volatile compounds of Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma longibrachiatum against fungal pathogens associated with spoilt pineapple.

Study Design: This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biology, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria, between June 2023 and September 2023

Methodology: Pineapples exhibiting symptoms of rot were purchased from Oje market within Ibadan, Nigeria. Isolation of rotten fungi was done by direct inoculating samples showing symptoms of rot on sterilized Potato Dextrose agar (PDA). Fungal isolates were identified using molecular techniques. The role of the isolates obtained in a formation of symptoms was determined by the pathogenicity test. Evaluation of non-volatile antifungal compounds of T. harzianum and T. longibrachiatum against the fungal isolates were carried out in-vitro at 15%, 20% and 25% concentrations. All the data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results: The mycoflora isolated was identified as Penicillium funiculosum, Aspergillus niger and Meyerozyma carribica. The isolates reproduced the same rot symptoms, while A. niger and P. funiculosum had a high level of virulence with increasing incubation times. The non-volatile compounds of both biocontrol agents exert fungistatic effect on A. niger, M. carribica and P. funiculosum at 15%, 20% and 25% concentrations.

Conclusion: Therefore, non-volatile compounds of both biological agents inhibited growth of pathogenic fungi of pineapple in vitro. Thus, it could serve as a better alternative to synthetic chemicals.