In vitro antagonist action of Trichoderma spp. about Fusarium oxysporum

Abstract

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) crop is susceptible to many disease-causing agents that affect a plant, like a root rot, reducing its productivity. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antagonist potential of Trichoderma sp. on Fusarium oxysporum, the causal agent of root rot in yerba mate. Four Trichoderma spp. isolates and one Fusarium oxysporum isolate were used. The antagonistic action of Trichoderma spp. on F. oxysporum was evaluated through the dual cultures and volatile metabolites tests. The results of the dual cultures assay revealed that Trichoderma spp. inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum, with percent inhibition ranging from 13.06 to 14.24%. Moreover, in the volatile metabolites test, T. tomentosum and T. harzianum showed the best inhibition results, 27.70 and 24.46%, respectively. Thus, Trichoderma spp. presented in vitro antagonist potential in the control of Fusarium oxysporum.

Keywords:
Biological control; Mate; Volatile metabolites