Broad spectrum management of plant diseases by phylloplane microfungal metabolites

Plant surfaces are colonised by an array of microbes. These microbes have been implicated in protecting plants against invading pathogens. Studies have demonstrated that metabolites of phylloplane microfungi can induce defence responses in their host plants. This investigation relates to formulation of a biocide from metabolites of Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, Alternaria alternata and Chaetomium globossum, which are common phylloplane colonisers of tropical plants. The biocide was found to reduce disease incidence through induction of alterations in defence physiology of crop plants.