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Penicillium frequentans isolated from Picea glehnii seedling roots as a possible biological control agent against damping‐off
Author(s) -
Yamaji Keiko,
Fukushi Yukiharu,
Hashidoko Yasuyuki,
Tahara Satoshi
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
ecological research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1440-1703
pISSN - 0912-3814
DOI - 10.1007/s11284-004-0004-y
Subject(s) - seedling , pythium , rhizosphere , biology , penicillium , damping off , botany , horticulture , bacteria , genetics
Picea glehnii seedlings are affected by damping‐off fungi in nurseries. The aims of this study were (1) to isolate fungi grown in the seedling rhizosphere in forest soil of P. glehnii , (2) to select fungi that produce antifungal compounds against Pythium vexans , and (3) to examine whether or not selected fungi can protect seedlings from P. vexans . Penicillium frequentans from Picea glehnii seedling roots produced antibiotic penicillic acid. Penicillic acid did not cause significant phytotoxicity to the seedlings. Penicillium frequentans increased the average percentage of surviving seedlings when inoculated together with Pythium vexans , but the increase was not significant. Vigorous mycelial growth of P. frequentans around seedling roots seems to be one of the mechanisms for protection, but the amount of penicillic acid was too low to show antifungal activity in the seedling rhizosphere.