Pesta granule trials with Aspergillus alliaceus for the biocontrol of Orobanche spp.

The pathogenic fungus Aspergillus alliaceus has been shown to have potential for the biocontrol of Orobanche spp. (broomrape), a root parasitic plant. The effectiveness of A. alliaceus in reducing Orobanche infection was analysed using pesta granules prepared with different food formulations. The results showed that pesta granules comprising of fungal mycelia/spore mixtures from liquid and solid culture, sclerotia and fungal mycelia reduced Orobanche infection to a greater extent in below ground conditions when applied early and at high doses before crop sowing. In addition, pesta granules eliminated the risk of broomrape contamination within a 0.2-0.3 cm diameter of the granules. The sclerotial pathogenicity of A. alliaceus was compared with those of other fungi reported in other studies. In addition, some morphological and histological studies on the fungal pathogenicity on broomrape plants after infection are presented. The present study reveals the potential of sclerotial A. alliaceus pesta granule applications for long-term broomrape biocontrol under field conditions.