Antifungal Potential of Trichoderma sp. Against Three Species of Fusarium Genus

Abstract

This study examines the in vitro antagonistic effect of three native Trichoderma sp. isolates originating from saffron corms, against three Fusarium species plants (F. pseudograminearum, F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum) known to cause rotting in the bulbs and roots of saffron. To introduce Trichoderma into a preventive control program, the Trichoderma isolates were tested by in direct confrontation and volatile substances production. They demonstrated colonization percentages ranging from 50% to 79.6%, significantly inhibiting the mycelial growth and spore germination of pathogenic species, with inhibition rates ranging from 53% to 79% and 51% to 79%, respectively. However, indirect confrontation through the production of diffusible substances showed low inhibition of mycelial growth and spore germination for all pathogenic isolates studied, not exceeding 28.47% and 20.5%, respectively. This study discusses the potential of using Trichoderma as biocontrol agents against a wide range of bioaggressors.