Efficiency of the Use of Entomopathogenic Fungus <i>Metarhizium robertsii</i> Against Potato Rhizoctoniosis

Abstract

For the first time in Western Siberia, production tests of an experimental prototype of the drug based on the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium robertsii were carried out. Its ability to significantly restrain the development of potato rhizoctoniosis throughout the entire growing season is shown. A significant decrease in the death of sprouts and the development of rhizoctoniosis on the stems was established in comparison with the control and chemical protectant. In the area with the use of M. robertsii, a significant increase in the number of healthy tubers (by 2.5 times) was noted, the number of tubers with sclerotia decreased by 2.8 times compared to the control. The effectiveness of M. robertsii in the suppression of rhizoctoniosis was high at all stages of potato ontogeny and amounted to 52–84%. In laboratory experiments in the presence of M. robertsii, a significant inhibition of the formation of Rhizoctonia solani sclerotia on tubers was established, as well as a decrease in their viability and size.