Question

Which of the following fungi is found useful in the biological control of plant disease?

• A. Penicillium notatum
• B. Phytophthora aphanidermatum
• C. Trichoderma viridae
  
• D. Both B and C

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Phytophthora aphanidermatum

In plant pathology, the term biological control applies to the use of microbial antagonists to suppress diseases as well as the use of host specific pathogens to control weed populations. The organism that suppresses the pest or pathogen is referred to as the biological control agent (BCA). Biological control refers to the purposeful utilization of introduced or resident living organisms, other than disease resistant host plants, to suppress the activities and populations of one or more plant pathogens.

Examples are Phytophthora medicaginis and P. aphanidermatum. Trichoderma viridae is used as a biocontrol agent against various types of fungi.