Antifungal activity of endochitinase gene Chit18–13 from Trichoderma reesei against Sclerotium rolfsii

Recombinant yeast clone (YRSR-13), control (yeast host carrying plain pYES2/CT) and plain yeast hosts (INVSc1) were induced in SC-U medium containing 2% galactose and Chitinolytic activity was measured. The amount of reducing sugars released from induced recombinant clone (YRSR-13) was 3.87 times more as compared to control. Recombinant and controls of both induced and un-induced clones at different concentration (250μg, 500 μg, 750 μg and 1000 μg) of crude protein were tested against phytopathogenic fungi Sclerotium rolfsii. Significant difference in inhibition of mycelial growth of S. rolfsii was observed between recombinant yeast and control. Growth inhibition was highest (54.20%) in S. rolfsii, when either 1000 or 750 μg of crude protein was used.