Carbon utilization pattern of Exserohilum monoceras isolates from Malaysian rice fields

Ten isolates of Exserohilum monoceras, a potential fungus for controlling barnyard grass (Echinochloa spp.), were studied for their carbon utilization pattern. The study was to investigate the differences among virulent and nonvirulent E. monoceras isolates based on their ability to utilize carbon sources. Biolog FF microplate™ designated by Biolog Inc. for rapid identification of fungi was used in the study. The results showed that there were variations in the substrate utilization among isolates. Some isolates managed to use more substrate compared to others. The E. monoceras isolate 1076 utilized more carbon source substrates followed by isolates 1133, 1105, 1112, 1125, 1120, 1127, 1134, 1110 and 1093. Generally, all E. monoceras isolates used in this study preferred carbohydrates (sugar and sugar derivatives) as carbon source substrates for growth. This study showed that D-Fructose was highly assimilated by all isolates followed by D-Sucrose and D-Turanose