Biocontrol efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum ‐enriched coconut fibre against Fusarium wilts of cherry tomato

Abstract

Aims Agro‐based wastes were evaluated as a medium for mass micropropagule production and optimal efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum B1092 in controlling Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and promoting tomato growth. This study focused on biological control because pathogen persistence in the soil makes the disease difficult to control. Methods and Results Rice bran, biochar, empty fruit bunches, coconut fibres, compost, top soil and mixed soil were evaluated as media for mass multiplication of T. asperellum, which is effective in controlling plant pathogens. Yielding the most colony forming units (CFU) among the media, coconut fibre was deemed most suitable for promoting sporulation. After 120 days on the medium, T. asperellum B1902 produced 9·053 × 105 CFU per gram coconut fibre; oil palm empty fruit bunches was second highest (7·406 × 105 CFU per gram). In field tests of T. asperellum B1092 against F. oxysporum f. sp lycopersici (causing Fusarium wilt of cherry tomato), B1092 significantly promoted plant growth compared to the control. The efficacy of this formulation resulted in increased growth of roots and shoots tomato plants and total lycopene, sugar, K, N, Ca, P and Mg content after 120 days. Conclusions Trichoderma asperellum B1092 showed great field potential for improving productivity and quality of tomatoes and in controlling Fusarium wilt of cherry tomato. Significance and Impact of the Study This innovative approach using a cheap agro‐waste to control the persistent soil‐borne Fusarium pathogen of cherry tomato should increase soil survival rate of Trichoderma and has potential for upscaling in the field for other crops.

Journal of Plant Protection Research

“…This corresponds with our findings where tomato plants treated with T. viride and T. harzianum exhibited increased levels of proline. Similarly, Zehra et al (2017) reported elevated proline content and both Molla et al (2012) and Hasan et al (2020) found increased lycopene content in FOL infected tomato plants treated with T. harzianum. An increase in vitamin C in tomato was also reported by Li et al (2017)…”

“…Tomato plants treated with T. viride and T. harzianum showed improved net photosynthetic rates (P N ), stomatal conductance (g s ) and transpiration rates (E) when compared to the untreated control. Hasan et al (2020) found that Trichoderma spp. increased the net photosynthetic rate (P N ), stomatal conductance (g s ) and transpiration rates (E) in cherry tomato plants in comparison to FOL infested plants.…”

Crop-type-driven changes in polyphenols regulate soil nutrient availability and soil microbiota

“…Trichoderma species are vital in suppressing plant pathogen and facilitating plant growth in the agroecosystem ( Vinale et al, 2008 ; Contreras-Cornejo et al, 2016 ). The dramatic increase in the relative abundance of Trichoderma in AR was mainly attributed to the increase of two species, T. asperellum and T. virens , both of which can protect plant from Fusarium wilt ( Jogaiah et al, 2018 ; Hasan et al, 2020 ). In addition, endophytes of the genus Acremonium are resistant to herbivores and nematodes ( West et al, 1988 ; Breen, 1994 ).…”

Trichoderma Species: Our Best Fungal Allies in the Biocontrol of Plant Diseases—A Review

“…Using a formulation of T. asperellum in coconut fiber promoted the growth of tomato plants and conferred resistance against F. oxusporum f.sp. lycopersici in field trials [ 226 ]. T. harzianum grown on a spent mushroom substrate (SMS) of Pleurotus ostreatus showed growth promotion in tomato plants and increased disease resistance against F. oxysporum f.sp.…”