Evaluation of in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal efficacy of bioproducts against the Cosmopolitan Fungus Thielaviopsis ethacetica

Authors: KAUR, KAMALDEEP - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE); Singh, Sukhwinder; Rodriguez, Brandon; Nageswara Rao, Madhugiri; DHILLON, BRAHAM - Oak Ridge Institute For Science And Education (ORISE)

Submitted to: Biological Control
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/30/2025
Publication Date: 10/7/2025
Citation: Kaur, K., Singh, S., Rodriguez, B.K., Nageswara Rao, M., Dhillon, B. 2025. Evaluation of in-vitro and in-vivo antifungal efficacy of bioproducts against the Cosmopolitan Fungus Thielaviopsis ethacetica. Biological Control. 9(2): 1110.

Interpretive Summary: Thielaviopsis ethacetica is a phytopathogenic fungus belonging to the family Ceratocystidaceae and predominantly resides in soil environments. This organism is recognized as a significant pathogen responsible for causing severe diseases in various economically vital crops. Historically, six principal species; T. paradoxa, T. ethacetica, T. euricoi, T. musarum, T. cerberus, and T. punctulata, were categorized under the formerly designated Ceratocystis paradoxa complex due to their similar morphological characteristics and the pathogens' associated disease symptoms.Recent advancements in molecular taxonomy have elucidated the distinct identities and pathogenic roles of certain fungi. These organisms are now acknowledged for their extensive distribution and capability to infect various economically valuable plants. Prominent pathogenic species include T. paradoxa and T. ethacetica, both of which are associated with specific diseases affecting tropical and subtropical crops, resulting in substantial agricultural losses.Despite numerous studies identifying potential bioproducts for controlling Thielaviopsis, the range of practical solutions available remains limited, and there has been insufficient emphasis on testing commercially available bioproducts. The assessment of these bioproducts' efficacy will not only provide growers with reliable alternatives to chemical fungicides but will also facilitate the development of more efficient and sustainable disease management programs. This research investigation aimed to bridge the existing gap by evaluating the efficacy of four commercially available bioproducts on the radial growth of T. ethacetica in a controlled culture environment. Furthermore, the bioproducts were tested on plant tissues inoculated with T. ethacetica to assess their practical applications. A detached leaf assay was employed to quantify disease suppression and evaluate the potential of these bioproducts for effective disease management. The findings of this study will yield valuable insights into integrating bioproducts into comprehensive pathogen control strategies for diseases caused by Thielaviopsis.

Technical Abstract: This study evaluates the antifungal efficacy of three commercially available bioproducts Double Nickel LC, Serenade ASO, Howler EVO and Serifel against the mycelial growth of Thielaviopsis ethacetica under in vitro conditions and through a detached leaf assay on palm foliage. In vitro trials demonstrated the impressive complete inhibition of fungal growth at 10% and 5% concentrations, with all bioproducts maintaining significant anti-fungal activity throughout the assessment period. In contrast, the control exhibited unchecked growth, highlighting the effectiveness of the treatments. The 1% concentration revealed a decline in efficacy, yet the bioproducts still showed some inhibition. Additionally, the detached leaf assay mimicked field conditions, allowing for observing bioproduct performance on palm leaf tissues. Treatments at 10% concentration yielded visibly healthier leaves, with fewer disease symptoms compared to the lower concentration and untreated controls. This multifaceted approach underscores the potential of Double Nickel LC, Serenade ASO, Howler EVO and Serifel as practical tools in managing T. ethacetica, offering insights into future disease management strategies in agricultural practices.