World Applied Sciences Journal 32 (2): 193-200, 2014 ISSN 1818-4952 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.wasj.2014.32.02.14520 Corresponding Author: M.Y. Awad, Department of Botany, Faulty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Qalubia, Egypt. 193 Finger Printing of Certain Seed-Borne Fungi on Imported Tomato Seeds in Egypt H.M. Emara, E.E. Hafez, M.A. El-shafey, A.A. Khattab and M.Y. Awad 1 2 1 1 1 Department of Botany, Faulty of Science, Benha University, Benha, Qalubia, Egypt 1 City of Scientific Research and Technology Applications, 2 Arid Lands Cultivation Research Institute (ALCRI), Plant Protection and Biomolecular Diagnosis Department, New Borg El Arab City, Alexandria, Egypt Abstract: Egypt imported different cultivars of tomato seeds from different companies. Different microorganisms associated these seeds, among them the seed borne fungi. Seeds of five different companies were collected and subjected to fungal isolation using Standard blotter Technique and agar plate technique. Results revealed that five species were observed. The observed fungi were morphologically identified under microscope and the results were confirmed using specific PCR with primers (ITS-1 & ITS-4). Amplicones with molecular size 600 bp was observed. The bands were purified and subjected to DNA sequence. The sequence analysis revealed that the five fungi are Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Aspergillus fumigatus, A. fumigatus strain TFR-8, A. flavus and A. oryzae. The sequences were submitted into the Gene Bank and were deposited under accession no. KJ424352, KJ424353, KJ734707, KJ734708 and KJ742820. T. longibrachiatum was used as biocontrol agent against several plant pathogenic fungi and the results showed significant growth inhibition for the treated fungi with percentage ranging from (49.7 % to 73.4%). Using T. longibrachiatum strain as abiological control agent is effective, applicable, safe and commercial. Key words: Biological control Egypt Seed borne fungi Specific PCR Tomato Trichoderma longibrachiatum INTRODUCTION alternative to the use of synthetic fungicides and has Tomato (Lycopersioon esoulentum Mill.) is an decades [9]. Various fungi (e.g. Trichoderma have shown important vegetable crop cultivated over an (216,400,000) good biocontrol potential [10, 11]. Biological control is hectare area in Egypt. Tomato seeds such as all the seeds considered a sustainable and safe [12]. It is relative free play an important role in crop production, however the from problems of pest resistance and is extremely safe to seeds are attacked by different fungi either human health [12]. Biopesticides often are effective in saprophytically or within the tissue of embryo [1]. The very small quantities and often decompose quickely, disease caused by fungi may lead to seed abortion or thereby resulting in lower exposure and largely elimination of germination capacity [2]. At least 10 avoiding the pollution problems caused by conventional different fungi have been reported as seed-borne fungi pesticides [13]. In general, cultural practices are less on tomato from different parts of the world, which likely to be in conflict with natural enemies than pesticide include Alternaria alternate, A. solani, Aspergillus spp., [13]. In contrast to chemical control, biological control Botrytis cinerea, Cheatomium globosum, Cladosporium lessens long-term damage to the environment by spp., Colletotrichum dematium, Curvularia lunata, persistent chemicals [13]. It may be a more economical F. equiseti, F. moniliforme, F. oxysporum, F. solani, alternative to some insecticide and fungicides Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium spp., Phoma applications [13, 14]. Unlike most fungicides biological destouctiva, Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia control is often very specific for a particular pathogen, solani, Verticillium spp. [3-8]. Biological control offers an thus other beneficial microorganisms can go completely become a well established principle over the last few