LAUSR

PURPOSE Predatory fungi have been the subject of fundamental studies and their potential as biological control agents against parasitic plant nematodes has been assessed. The aim of the present study was to isolate and identify predatory fungi, performing in vitro and in vivo screening to select highly active strains to control parasitic nematodes. METHODS Different nutrient media were used to isolate predatory fungi and determine their morphological and cultural properties. Identification was performed by classical and molecular biology methods. In vitro and in vivo screening was conducted to select highly active strains. RESULTS Twelve isolates of Arthrobotrys oligospora (Orbiliomycetes) found in nature were investigated for their predaceous efficacy against garlic stem nematodes (Ditylenchus dipsaci). The effect of temperature and pH on the growth rate and trap formation of representative isolates was determined and isolates were characterized by light microscopy and molecular markers. BLAST was used to sequence the rDNA internal transcribed spacer of A. oligospora isolate KTMU-7. The optimum growth of A. oligospora strains was achieved at 20-25 °C on 1-2% corn meal agar (CMA) within the pH range of 5.6-8.6. The factors responsible for the trap formation of these fungal strains were identified. In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to evaluate the nematicidal activity of local predatory fungal isolates against soil nematodes. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary studies proved A. oligospora to be a potentially effective biological control agent, immobilizing 85.7 ± 2.19% of garlic stem nematodes in soil from the rhizosphere of potato plants.