NY007 - Biological Control of Root Rot in Horticulture

A recently discovered microorganism termed sterile red fungus (SRF) has shown good potential to provide growth promotion and to reduce fungal root rotting pathogen SRF has shown a wide host range, colonizing the roots of monocots and dicots, annuals and perennials, Thus, SRF may be a useful biological tool for growth promotion in horticulture. The benefits would be increased productivity associated with enhanced propagation and growth. Second characteristic is the possible role SRF can play as a biological control agent for some diseases in horticulture. SRF is sterile, hence cannot be taxonomically identified. By virtue of the presence of clamp connections, it is believed to belong to the class Basidiomycetes. Basidiomycetes are a higher class of fungi and include most of the edible mushrooms. They commonly form symbiotic associations with plants. Some investigations reported in the March to June period were already initiated before the new personnel arrival and hence there was a changeover period.