Evaluation of fungal epiphytes isolated from banana fruit surfaces for biocontrol of banana crown rot disease

Fungi isolated from the surface of banana fruits were evaluated for in vitro antagonism towards Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Thirteen fungi exhibiting pronounced growth inhibition of test pathogens were further tested for antibiosis against Thielaviopsis paradoxa, Colletotrichum musae, and Fusarium verticillioides. Clonostachys byssicola, Curvularia pallescens, Penicillium oxalicum, and Trichoderma harzianum were antagonistic to all test pathogens. Inhibition by C. pallescens and P. oxalicum to pathogens was at a distance, while C. byssicola and T. harzianum directly parasitized and killed the pathogens. The metabolites of C. byssicola, C. pallescens, and T. harzianum significantly affected the mycelial growth and conidial germination of the pathogens. In the artificial inoculation study, the antagonists survived and colonized banana fruits after 3 d. Interfungal parasitic relationship was observed between the antagonist and pathogen on artificial media and natural substrate. Postharvest application in the packing house showed that the incidence of crown rot in antagonist-treated banana was significantly lower when compared to fungicide and untreated control fruits.