Growth and conidia production in race NG-5/IA-65 of Pyricularia oryzae Cav. in vitro

The ability of Pyricularia oryzae to grow and sporulate under various artificial environmental conditions was investigated. The pathogen grew best on Potato Dextrose Agar and sporulated best on one percent Soluble Starch Yeast Extract Agar. Ammonium chloride medium as nitrogen source favoured its growth and conidia production. The pathogen utilized xylose, arabinose, starch, glucose and inulin for growth and conidia production. The minimum, optimum and maximum temperatures for growth and conidia production were 10°, 25° and 37°C. The humidity treatment increased conidia production from 8.0 × 103 to 18.4 × 103 conidia/ml. The optimal pH range for growth was 5.5–10.5 and 5.5–7.0 for conidia production. Exposing cultures to continuous artificial illumination enhanced conidia production.