Abstract

SAVIN-MOLINA, Jonathan et al. Morphological characterization and biocontrol potential of Trichoderma species isolated from semi-arid soils. Rev. mex. fitopatol [online]. 2021, vol.39, n.3, pp.435-451.  Epub Dec 13, 2021. ISSN 2007-8080.  https://doi.org/10.18781/r.mex.fit.2106-7.

Species of Trichoderma spp. were isolated, identified and characterized associated with Pachycereus pringlei and Jatropha cinerea as biocontrol agents against phytopathogenic fungi. The antagonistic agents were isolated from six sites in Baja California Sur, Mexico. The identification was made based on its morphological characteristics and abundance, frequency of occurrence and mycelial growth of Trichoderma spp. and in vitro antagonism against F. oxysporum, F. solani, R. solani, C. gloeosporioides and A. alternata was determined. Eighteen Trichoderma isolates concentrated in seven species were obtained: T. asperellum, T. atroviride, T. harzianum, T. koningii, T. viride, T. longibrachiatum and Trichoderma spp. Duncan’s test (p<0.05) showed significant differences in the abundance of the species (CFU/g of soil) and the frequency of occurrence. The largest population was found in El Saltito, Los Encinos and Las Pocitas with CFU of 2.1, 1.8 and 0.7 × 103 g-1 of soil respectively. In the in vitro antagonism, T. koningii was the one that significantly inhibited the growth of phytopathogenic fungi. The antifungal activity of the various of Trichoderma spp. can be an alternative for the biocontrol of diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi.

Keywords : Fungus; soil; diversity; population; phytopathogens; biological control.