Mycoparasatism of the cashew black mould agent by Acremonium sp. In: Agrotrópica v. 11 p. 25-30, 1999.

Abstract

The mycoparasitism of a new species of AcremoniulIl on the cashew black mould agent (Pilgeriella anacardii) was studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. Before penetration the mycoparasite hyphae coiled around the host hyphae, conidia, conidiophores and ascomata. Penetration occurred directly through the cell walls without appressorial formation, and no signs of indentation or rupturing were ever observed. Production of a toxic substance, probable an antibiotic, might be involved in the cell wall breakdown. Conidia were invaded and colonized more frequently, but mature asci and fully developed ascospores were not seen infected. Acremonium sp. is well established and spread throughout cashew nut plantations ofthe Brazilian northeastern region. The possibilities of using trus necrotrophic mycoparasite as a biocontrol agent for P anacardii in Brazil are discussed.