Author : Meity Suradji Sinaga

Summary : A study was conducted to screen isolates of Gliocladium spp. as biocontrol agents for soybean soil-borne pathogens, to determine the proper substrate for mass production, and develop through greenhouse tests the effective technique in the use of the promising isolates. Five isolates of Gliocladium spp. were isolated from different places in the Philippines from soil mixed with decomposing material, cogon grass, litter or rice straw mushroom spawn. Tentative identification showed that the Gliocladium isolates were G. deliquescens and G. fimbriatum. They differed in color and morphology of sporulation, especially the phialides. Both species exhibited faster and better growth and sporulation on PDA than Czapek or MEA medium. For optimum growth and sporulation, temperature range of 25 to 30 deg celsius, pH 5 and 6, and soil moisture content of 20 to 30% were needed.