Trichoderma and Clonostachys as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne incognita in sacha inchi

Abstract

One of the main pathological problems for cropping sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is its susceptibility to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). In this study, fungal endophytes were explored in the stems and leaves of seven species of the Plukenetia genus, and also evaluated the abilities of isolates of Trichoderma and Clonostachys as biocontrol agents against damages caused by this nematode in sacha inchi. In order to evaluate such effects, seedlings were colonized with these fungal isolates, and then they were infested with root-knot nematode eggs. The results showed that the Plukenetia genus is rich in diversity of fungal endophytes. Their greatest diversity was found in Plukenetia brachybotria. Among the most efficient isolates for endophytic colonization, some of Trichoderma (e.g., kmd-36 and kmd-54) and others of Clonostachys (e.g., kmd-68 and kmd-80) provided a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the number of galls induced by the nematodes, in comparison to the control treatment without endophytic colonization. In addition, these isolates allowed a better root development in the tested plants, thus revealing a good biocontrol potential against M. incognita in sacha inchi.

Biochemical and Biotechnological Insights into Fungus-Plant Interactions for Enhanced Sustainable Agricultural and Industrial Processes

“…The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is a pest that interferes with the cultivation of sacha inchi ( Plukenetia volubilis L.). Some fungi isolated from this species were explored as biocontrol agents against damage caused by M. incognita [ 99 ]. Compared to the control without any colonization, isolates colonized by Trichoderma and Clonostachys significantly reduced the number of galls induced by the nematode, besides allowing better root development in these plants.…”

Fungal Endophytes and Their Role in Agricultural Plant Protection against Pests and Pathogens

“…Root-knot nematodes, represented by Meloidogyne species, are globally ubiquitous and impact over 2000 plant species including economically important crops such as tomato, cotton, cucumber, melon, soybean and rice [ 104 , 106 , 107 , 108 , 109 , 110 , 111 , 112 ]. Many fungal genera have been reported as having inhibitory effects on Meloidogyne species, including: Acremonium , Alternaria , Arthrobotrys , Chaetomium , Cladosporium , Clonostachys , Diaporthe , Drechslerella , Epichloë , Epiccocum , Fusarium , Gibellulopsis , Melanconium , Metacordyceps , Monacrosporium , Neotyphodium , Paecilomyces , Phialemonium , Phyllosticta , Piriformospora , Purpureocillium , Talaromyces and Trichoderma [ 106 , 110 , 111 , 112 , 113 , 114 , 115 , 116 , 117 , 118 , 119 , 120 , 121 , 122 , 123 , 124 , 125 , 126 ]. Species from one or more of these genera have also been reported as having similar antagonistic effects towards other species of nematodes [ 106 ].…”

“…Alternatively, Acremonium , Diaporthe , Epichloë , Melanconium , Phialemonium and Purpureocillium species can produce bioactive compounds that directly inhibit nematode eggs, juveniles, and females [ 108 , 115 , 121 , 124 , 128 , 129 ]. Strains of Chaetomium , Clonostachys , Phyllosticta and Trichoderma have also been reported as hyper colonizers that can outcompete plant pathogens, including nematodes, for space and nutrients within the plant host [ 110 , 112 , 113 , 123 , 124 ].…”

“…In a recent study, several fungal endophytes belonging to the genera Alternaria , Chaetomium , Cladosporium , Diaporthe , Epicoccum , Gibellulopsis and Purpureocillium isolated from cotton plants were successfully used as a seed treatment that reduced damage caused by Meloidogyne incognita [ 124 ]. In another study, sacha inchi ( Plukenetia volubilis ) plants inoculated with Trichoderma and Clonostachys significantly reduced the damage and number of galls induced by root-knot nematodes compared to non-inoculated plants [ 123 ].…”