Chemical Characterization of Trichoderma spp. Extracts with Antifungal Activity against Cocoa Pathogens

Abstract

Ecuador is one of the major cocoa producers worldwide, but its productivity has lately been affected by diseases. Endophytic biocontrol agents have been used to minimize pathogenic effects; however, compounds produced by endophytes are minimally understood. This work presents the chemical characterization of the Trichoderma species extracts that proved inhibition against cocoa pathogens. Solid–liquid extraction was performed as a partitioning method using medium with the fungal mycelia of Trichoderma reesei (C2A), Trichoderma sp. (C3A), Trichoderma harzianum (C4A), and Trichoderma spirale (C10) in ethyl acetate individually. The extract of T. spirale (C10) exhibited the growth inhibition (32.97–47.02%) of Moniliophthora perniciosa at 10 µg/mL, while a slight stimulation of Moniliophthora roreri was shown by the extracts of T. reesei (C2A) and T. harzianum (C4A) at higher concentrations. The inhibitory activity could be related to alkaloids, lactones, quinones, flavonoids, triterpenes, and sterols, as indicated by chemical screening and antifungal compounds, such as widdrol, β-caryophyllene, tyrosol, butyl isobutyrate, sorbic acid, palmitic acid, palmitelaidic acid, linoleic acid, and oleic acid, which were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the extracts, particularly T. spirale (C10), have the potential as biocontrol agents against witches’ broom disease; however, further studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness.

Locally Isolated Trichoderma harzianum Species Have Broad Spectrum Biocontrol Activities against the Wood Rot Fungal Species through Both Volatile Inhibition and Mycoparasitism

“…They could either act additively or synergistically. While Phenylethyl alcohol has been previously reported in T. harzianum [ 37 ], cadina-1,4-diene has not been reported in any T. harzianum , although it has been reported to be emitted by T. reesei [ 38 ].…”

Optimization of culture conditions for the production, antifungal activity and characterization of secondary metabolites of <i>Trichoderma longibrachiatum</i>

“…The optimum incubation duration was also determined with the screened concentrations of C and N sources incorporated in the basal medium as Minimal Davis broth with optimized pH for different days i.e., 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days, respectively. Following incubation, studied antifungal activity of the culture filtrate containing secondary metabolites (Hateet et al, 2021;Shuwu et al, 2020;Choez-Guaranda et al, 2023)…”

Biotechnological tools for genetic improvement of Trichoderma

“…Some examples identified through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry include widdrol, β-caryophyllene, tyrosol, isobutyrate, and butyl sorbic acid. This extensive examination sheds light on the diverse chemical mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects, offering valuable insights into the potential applications of these bioactive compounds in agricultural disease management (Chóez- Guaranda et al, 2023). In addition to acting as defenders against diverse pathogens, fungal biocontrol agents safeguard plants from various forms of abiotic stress, supporting plant growth and production (Fazeli-Nasab et al, 2022).…”