Analysis of Trichoderma as an effective biological control agent against the honey fungus (Armillaria spp.)

Poveda, Jorge; Millen, Morgan R.; Bailey, Andy M.

doi:10.1016/j.biocontrol.2023.105424

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 67 publications

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“…Fungi of the genus Trichoderma are innate with the environment, being common inhabitants of soils, both agricultural and forest, and are often also found as endophytes in many plant species [ 42 ]. The effectiveness of Trichoderma species as BCAs against plant pathogens has been known for a long time and has been successfully applied in a variety of agricultural crops, especially in horticulture [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Trunk Injection Delivery of Biocontrol Strains of Trichoderma spp. Effectively Suppresses Nut Rot by Gnomoniopsis castaneae in Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.)

Benigno,

Aglietti,

Cacciola

et al. 2024

Biology

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Gnomoniopsis castaneae is responsible for brown or chalky nut rot in sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa), causing heavy reductions in nut production. Controlling it is challenging, due to its inconspicuous infections, erratic colonization of host tissues and endophytic lifestyle. Fungicides are not applicable because they are prohibited in chestnut groves. Trichoderma species are safe and wide-spectrum biocontrol agents (BCAs), with a variety of beneficial effects in plant protection. This study tested selected strains of T. viride, T. harzianum and T. atroviride for their ability to suppress G. castaneae. Field experiments were conducted in four chestnut groves (two test plots plus two controls) at two sites with a different microclimate. As the size of the trees were a major drawback for uniform and effective treatments, the Trichoderma strains were delivered directly by trunk injection, using the BITE® (Blade for Infusion in TrEes) endotherapic tool. The BCA application, repeated twice in two subsequent years, significantly reduced nut rot incidence, with a more marked, presumably cumulative, effect in the second year. Our data showed the tested Trichoderma strains retain great potential for the biological control of G. castaneae in chestnut groves. The exploitation of Trichoderma spp. as biopesticides is a novelty in the forestry sector and proves the benefits of these microbes in plant disease protection.

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