Carbon Source Utilisation as a Basis of Variability among Different Ramularia Isolates Collected from Cotton Belt of Odisha, India

The impact of various carbon sources on the growth and sporulation of six different Ramularia isolates was investigated by testing eight different sources of carbon in liquid Richard's medium. The mycelial growth was assessed by determining the dry biomass weight, and there were three replicate flasks for each combination of isolates and carbon source. The study showed that the extent of utilization of different carbon sources varied among the isolates, and the highest mean dry biomass weight was recorded by RGKN1 followed by RGGNPR1. Maltose and sucrose were found to be the best source of carbon supporting highest mycelial growth and sporulation. Starch and lactose supported the least mycelial growth and sporulation. The results clearly established the essentiality of carbon source for metabolic activities of the fungus. The study proved the existence of cultural variability among the Ramularia isolates basing on their carbon utilisation.