Biological Control of Verticillium Wilt of Eggplant in the Field. J. J. Marois, Research Plant Pathologist, Soilborne Diseases Laboratory, Plant Protection Institute, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, MD 20705. S. A. Johnston, Assistant Extension Specialist in Plant Pathology, Cook College, New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers Research and Development Center, Bridgeton 08302; M. T. Dunn, Research Associate, Department of Botany, University of Maryland, College Park, 20742; and G. C. Papavizas, Research Plant Pathologist, Soilborne Diseases Laboratory, Plant Protection Institute, ARS, USDA. Plant Dis. 66:1166-1168. Accepted for publication 21 April 1982. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1982. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-1166.

Thirty-four isolates of soilborne fungi comprised of 12 genera and 15 species were tested under greenhouse conditions against Verticillium dahliae, causal agent of Verticillium wilt of eggplant (Solanum melongena). Six isolates of the soilborne fungi that reduced disease in greenhouse experiments were tested in two fields under different production systems. One isolate of Talaromyces flavus reduced disease by 76 and 67% in fields 1 and 2, respectively. Yield was also increased by 18 and 54% (by weight) and 22 and 71% (by number of fruit) in fields 1 and 2, respectively. This is the first report of T. flavus being used to control a plant disease caused by Verticillium sp.

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