No abstract

Microbial crop protection products based on Trichoderma have the ability to display multifunctional roles in plant protection, such as pathogen parasitism, enhance nutrient availability and stimulate plant growth, and these traits can be used to enhance the overall agronomic performance of a variety of crops. In the current study, we explored the multifunctional potential of two indigenous Brazilian strains of Trichoderma (T. asperelloides CMAA 1584 and T. lentiforme CMAA 1585) for their capability of controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a key plant pathogen of cotton, and for their ability of growth promotion in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum). Both strains were able to solubilize mineral phosphorus (CaHPO4), to release volatile organic compounds that impaired the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum, and to promote the growth of cotton plants under greenhouse conditions. In dual culture, Trichoderma strains reduced the growth rate and the number of sclerotia formed by S. sclerotiorum. By treating sclerotia with conidial suspensions of these Trichoderma strains, a strong inhibition of the myceliogenic germination was observed, as a result of the marked mycoparasitic activity exerted on the sclerotia. The parasitism over S. sclerotiorum was more effective with T. asperelloides CMAA 1584, whilst the biostimulant effects on cotton growth were more pronounced with T. lentiforme CMAA 1585, which also showed a higher capacity of phosphate solubilization. Thus, T. asperelloides CMAA 1584 displays higher efficiency in controlling S. sclerotiorum, while T. lentiforme CMAA 1585 is more suitable as a biostimulant due to its ability to promote growth in cotton plants. Overall, these Trichoderma strains may be used in mixture to provide both pathogen control and promotion of plant growth, and this strategy will support growers in minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and fungicides against white mold in cotton crops.

The use of biochar as a means of mitigating climate change and improving soil physical and chemical characteristics has been extensively studied over the last two decades. However, the effects of biochar on the soil microbiota and plant diseases, especially those caused by soilborne plant pathogens, have received little attention and are poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of biochar at different concentrations incorporated into two soils on the control of Fusarium wilt, tomato development and soil microbial activity. The severity of Fusarium wilt and microbial activities (microbial biomass nitrogen and alkaline phosphatase) were inversely proportional to the concentrations (0 to 5%, v/v) of biochar incorporated into the soil. The fresh root and dry shoot masses and stem diameter measures increased with the increase in biochar concentration. Biochar aqueous extract did not affect Fusarium mycelial growth, but microconidial germination was reduced with the increase in the concentration of biochar aqueous extract. The biochar used in the present study has the potential to increase soil microbial biomass, promote plant growth and reduce the severity of tomato Fusarium wilt.

RESUMO O tratamento de sementes com microrganismos visando promoção de crescimento e controle de Fusarium verticillioides é uma tecnologia que poderá ser utilizada para ampliar a sustentabilidade da cultura do milho. Para tanto, estudos com a utilização de microrganismos para tratamento de sementes visando ao controle de F. verticillioides e promoção de crescimento vegetal em milho são necessários para o desenvolvimento de bioprodutos. Onze isolados de Bacillus spp. foram testados quanto às características bioquímicas relacionadas com promoção de crescimento (produção de ácido cianídrico, ácido indolacético, sideroforos e catalase; solubilização de fosfato e assimilação de nitrogênio). Ainda in vitro foi avaliada a habilidade dos isolados de Bacillus em inibir o crescimento micelial e a germinação de conídios de F. verticillioides. Em casa de vegetação foi avaliado o efeito dos isolados de Bacillus spp. na promoção de crescimento e no controle de F. verticillioides em duas variedades de milho. Bacillus velezensis AP-03 e Bacillus sp. AP-210, não somente inibiram o crescimento micelial e a germinação de esporos, mas também promoveram o crescimento das plantas e controlaram F. verticillioides em sementes de milho em condições de casa de vegetação.