ABSTRACT

The present study was confined to the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem in Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu. Sediment (Soil) samples of mangrove were collected to isolate the fungi. All the collected samples were plated, incubated and the fungal colonies were identified. Colony growth rate of the fungi was studied on seven different types of solid media (PDA, SDA, CMA, CZA, MA, RBA, and OMA). Effect of different ecological parameters such as pH (5-9), temperature (20-60ºC), salinity (5-40%), metals (FeSO4 and ZnSO4), carbon (CMC, starch and mannitol) and nitrogen sources (ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate) on the growth of fungi was also determined. A total of 21 fungal species of Fusarium were isolated and enumerated by plating, techniques. Maximum growth rate of F. oxysporum was observed in PDA, SDA, CMA and RBA than other media. Maximum fungal growth was observed in pH 8, 30ºC (temperature), 40% (salinity), FeSO4 (metal), carboxy methyl cellulose (carbon source) and ammonium nitrate (nitrogen source) after 8 days of growth in liquid medium.

Keywords : Mangrove soil; Fusarium sp; Growth characteristics; Effect of physical and chemical parameters.