Method for preservation of viability and antagonic activity of Trichoderma stromaticum, biocontrol agent of witches´broom disease of cocoa

Abstract

After four years of preservation by using dried cocoa brooms in fridge at 5 °C, the viability of four isolates (Ts1606, Ts3107, Ts0108, Ts2705) of Trichoderma stromaticum was evaluated based on germination of conidia, mycelium growth in a culture medium and antagonistic activity on dry cocoa brooms. All the isolates preserved maintained viability, showing normal growth, sporulation and antagonistic activity against Crinipellis perniciosa.. These results indicate the efficience of the method for the long term preservation of T. stromaticum, maintaining their morphological, physiological, and antagonistic characteristics.

antagonist; biological control; cocoa tree; Tricovab