Nine different yeast isolates from various parts of tomato plant were isolated from two different locations of Bengaluru. The population on tomato leaves varied from x104 cfu/cm², on stems from x104 cfu/g fresh weight and on fruits from x104 cfu/g fresh weight. The yeast isolates were characterized for utilization of different carbon sources. Out of nine isolates, four yeast isolates TPL-I, RTPL, RTPS- II and RTPFII produced lipase enzyme. Further, they were evaluated for biocontrol activity against Alternaria solani in in vitro conditions. Among the yeast isolates, TPL-I yeast isolate showed strongly positive result by forming maximum zone of inhibition (9mm), produced minimum dry mycelial weight ( mg) of pathogen and also showed highest percentage of inhibition of conidial germination ( %) compared to other yeast isolates. Four yeast isolates produced relatively higher concentrations of IAA ranging from μg/ml and the maximum concentration of IAA was produced by TPL- I. | Isolation and characterization of yeast from tomato plants for biological control of Alternaria solani
