Abstract

EFFECT OF PESTICIDES ON ASPERGILLUS NIGER FROM AGRICULTURAL SOIL

*Geetha S., Nalini M. and Jyothi K.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to is to isolate mycoflora (Aspergillus niger) from different crop fields and to determine the effect of three fungicides (Carbendzim, Copper Oxy Chloride (COC), Cmmodity Mancozeb); three insecticides (Dimethoate, Profenofos, Chlorpyrihos): three Herbicides (Ammonium Salt Glyphosate (S-G)-01; 2,4-D Sodium Salt solution; All Quit Paraquat Dichloride) and two biopesticides (Trichoderma viridae, Trichoderma harzianum) on the number of soil fungi. Six soil samples taken at the depth of 0-20cm from different Fields at Lammasingi Area, Visakhapatnam And were taken to the laboratory. The soil was sieved through a 2mm mesh to remove stones and plant debris. The fungal species were investigated to know their susceptibility to pesticide application. Soil samples were taken at the depth of 0-20cm from the selected area with the aid of auger. Soil fungi were isolated and enumerated using dilution plate count technique with the use of Potato Dextrose Agar medium. Different concentrations of pesticide solutions were placed by agar diffusion method and the inhibitory zones of restricted growth of A. niger were evaluated after 3 to 5 days. PDA plates without pesticides were taken as control. The results revealed that pesticide applications caused drastic reduction in Aspergillus niger population present in the soil when comparing with the control.

Keywords: Aspergillus niger, Fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, Potato Dextrose Agar.