Assessing the Bio-Efficacy of Trichoderma Asperellum (IT13) Against Rhizopus Stolonifer, Fungus Associated with Post-Harvest of Yam (Dioscorea Rotundata) Tubers Rot

The aim of this findings was to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma asperellum (It-13) as bio-control agent against Rhizopus stolonifer the causative agent of yam tuber rot. The antagonism test was done by dual culture on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Antibiosis was evaluated on PDA medium by the cellophane membrane method. The production of lytic enzymes (chitinase, cellulase, protease, and lipase) by T. asperellum was detected on PDA supplemented with specific substract. The organic extract was obtained by fermentation of T. asperellum on Potato Dextrose Broth. Total phenols and flavonoids were by spectrophotometer while, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) were analysed by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The efficiency of the organic extract on Rhizopus stolonifer was evaluated by poisoning method. The ability of the antagonist to protect yam tuber was done before and after infected the tubers. The results showed that, in dual culture, T. asperellum significantly inhibited the growth of the Rhizopus stolonifer at 48.68 % and 96.42% respectively, in the same media and after growth on cellophane membrane. In the specific solid media, T. asperellum produced chi