Lignification on Potatoes by Application of Trichoderma viride

Leaf blight disease caused by pathogenic fungus Phytophthora infestans is the major disease in potato that can reduce its production up to 100%. The use of biological agent Trichoderma viride as an inducing potato resistance against leaf blight disease has been considered potential method. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of biological agent Trichoderma viride in inducing potato plant resistance against late blight by Phytopthora infestans. Research on induced resistance was conducted in a greenhouse with polybag using Completely Randomized Design with 6 treatments and 6 replications. The parameters observed were the growth and the leaf blight intensity. Induced resistance by using Trichoderma viride against Phytopthora infestans increased in total phenolic compounds in the third and fourth weeks as well as lignification. Observation of lignification on the fifth week showed that lignification occurred in leaf xylem of plants tissue. Trichoderma viride application could improve the systemic resistance of potato plants.