INTERACTIONS BETWEEN SCLEROTINIA-SCLEROTIORUM AND EPICOCCUM-PURPURASCENS

Sterile culture filtrates of Epicoccum purpurascens decreased severity of white mold of bean and increased pod yield when applied prior to inoculation of beans with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Extracts of these culture filtrates inhibited ascospore germination and mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum. Similar inhibition of hyphal growth of S. sclerotiorum occurred when dual cultured with E. purpurascens. Contact and penetration of hyphae of S. sclerotiorum by hyphae of E. purpurascens occurred rarely on agar-covered slides and was not observed on flower petals. Inhibition of ascospore germination and germ-tube elongation occurred on agar-covered slides where E. purpurascens had been grown previously; however, addition of nutrients decreased inhibition. Colonization of bean flowers by E. purpurascens reduced white mold incidence. The degree of disease control was affected by addition of nutrients and whether or not colonized flowers were autoclaved.