Isolates of Fusarium solani, F. semitectum, F. oxysporum. Trichoderma harzianum and Chaetomium sp. were isolated from diseased endive roots collected from two governorates, i.e., Giza and Behera. Results indicated that F. solani was the most dominant in the two governorates.
All the isolated fungi were pathogenic to endive plants except Trichoderma harzianum and Chaetomium sp., however, pathogenic fungi varied in their virulence. In general, F oxysporum and F. solani were the most pathogenic.
The antagonistic effect of T. harzianum and Chaetomium sp. against mycelial growth of F. solani, F. semitectum and F. oxysporum was in vitro investigated. Generally, the bioagents tested significantly decreased the mycelial growth of the pathogenic fungi.
Some salts, bioagents, antioxidants and the fungicide Topsin M70 were used to control endive diseases under greenhouse conditions. Results indicated that all the tested materials reduced infection by endive root diseases and increased the survived plants as well as their yield and improved its quality. These materials varied in their efficiency. The fungicide Topsin M70 was the best treatment for controlling the disease followed by Plant guard (as commercial bioagent) and salicylic acid (as antioxidant). Also, oxalic acid (as antioxidant) was moderately effective, while salts, i.e., mono­potassium sulphate and calcium chloride showed the lowest effect.