Control of Antracnose Disease in Tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum) Using Endophytic Fungi

Abstract

Anthracnose is a disease that affects tomato plants and causes farmers to lose money. The fungus Colletotrichum coccodes causes this disease, which manifests as small blackish spots on the tomato. The fruit then becomes shrivelled and dry, and it rots. One of the safest and most environmentally friendly methods of biological control is the use of endophytic fungi. These fungi are found in living plant tissue and can form colonies in the tissue without harming the host or causing disease symptoms. The goal of this study was to identify the different types of endophytic fungi found in tomatoes, as well as the role of endophytic fungi in the control of anthracnose disease. Plant samples were collected in Lempake Village in North Samarinda District, and antagonists between the endophytic fungi found in tomatoes and pathogens that cause anthracnose disease were tested. In the tomato plants, the researchers discovered four genera of endophytic fungi: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma sp., and Rhizopus sp. Antagonist tests revealed that Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Rhizopus sp. fungi suppressed pathogenic fungi that cause anthracnose disease by 33.17%, 36.43%, and 38.37%, respectively. The fungus Trichoderma sp. had the best ability to control anthracnose.
 Keywords: tomatoes, endophytic fungi, anthracnose, Colletotrichum coccodes Wallr. S. Hughes