EFFECT OF CULTURE MEDIA, LIGHT, TEMPERATURE AND PH ON THE MYCELIAL GROWTH AND SCLEROTIA FORMATION OF SCLEROTIUM-ROLFSII SACC

Influence of culture media, light, temperature and pH on mycelial grow th and sclerotia formation of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. was investigate d. Significant higher mycelial growth was obtained on potato dextrose agar, malt extract agar and corn meal agar but sclerotia formation was best on malt extract agar followed by potato dextrose agar. Near ultr a violet light was most favourable for formation of sclerotia followed by complete darkness. The range of most favourable temperature for th e growth of the fungus was between 20 degrees C to 25 degrees C but at 30 degrees C highest number of sclerotia was found with maximum mycel ial growth. The fungus favoured a wide range of hydrogen ion concentra tion for both mycelial growth and sclerotia formation but pH 6.0 was t he most suitable one.