Biological control of cashew powdery mildew using <i>Ampelomyces quisqualis</i> Ces

Abstract

The evaluation of the possibility of exploiting <em>Ampelomyces quisqualis</em>, mycoparasitic fungi for the biocontrol of cashew powdery mildew (<em>Oidium anacardii</em>) was studied. An in vitro biological control test on detached leaves of cashew was used and a detailed microscopic analysis of the interactions between mycoparasite and <em>O. anacardii</em> conducted. Effect of mycoparasite on disease severity and incidence was discussed. <em>Ampelomyces quisqualis</em> was confirmed as a mycoparasite of <em>O. anacardii</em>. When grown near the pathogen,<em> A. quisqualis</em> was seen entwining around the pathogen mycelium. It was stimulated to produce branches that grew directly to the mycelium of pathogen<em> Ampelomyces quisqualis</em> firm attachment on the pathogen conidia resulted in the penetration and successful growth. Some of the impregnated <em>O. anacardii</em> conidia were found dead. Koch’s postulates were satisfied to establish the mycoparasitism of<em> A. quisqualis</em>.