Application of Chaetomium species (Ketomium®) as a new broad spectrum biological fungicide for plant disease control: A review article

Abstract

Research and development of biological control agents for use against plant diseases have been undertaken for several years in both government and private sectors, as natural agents are needed to take the place of chemical fungicides. The problem associated with the use of hazardous chemicals for disease control has received increasing attention worldwide, due to the fact that pathogens become resistant to chemical fungicides and the resulting environmental pollution and ecological imbalances. The implementation of practical integrated biological control technology to control plant diseases has been successfully introduced to growers in China, Philippines, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam by using new broad spectrum biological fungicides from Chaetomium (Thailand Patent No. 6266, International Code: AO1N 25/12 and registered as Ketomium® mycofungicide). Since 1989, the biological product has been developed and improved from 22-strains of Chaetomium cupreum CC01-CC10 and Chaetomium globosum CG01-CG12 in the form of pellet and powder formulation. The formulation has successfully been applied to infested field-soils with integrated with cultural control measures and organic amendments for the long-term protection of Durian (Durio zibethinus L.) and Black Pepper (Piper nigram L.) caused by Phytophthora palmivora, Tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco) caused by Phytophthora parasitica and Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) caused by Phytophthora cactorum, Wilt of Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and Basal rot of Corn (Zea mays L.) caused by Sclerotium rolfsii against Phytophthora rot. Bio-control technology of plant diseases has successfully been demonstrated, either completely or partially, when integrated with other control measures for appropriate disease management. Biological products are useful, not only for the protection against plant diseases, but can also be used for curative effects of plant diseases, and also promote plant growth.