Dual functionality of Trichoderma: Biocontrol of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and biostimulant of cotton plants

Abstract

Microbial crop protection products based on Trichoderma have the ability to display multifunctional roles in plant protection, such as pathogen parasitism, enhance nutrient availability and stimulate plant growth, and these traits can be used to enhance the overall agronomic performance of a variety of crops. In the current study, we explored the multifunctional potential of two indigenous Brazilian strains of Trichoderma (T. asperelloides CMAA 1584 and T. lentiforme CMAA 1585) for their capability of controlling Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a key plant pathogen of cotton, and for their ability of growth promotion in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum). Both strains were able to solubilize mineral phosphorus (CaHPO4), to release volatile organic compounds that impaired the mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum, and to promote the growth of cotton plants under greenhouse conditions. In dual culture, Trichoderma strains reduced the growth rate and the number of sclerotia formed by S. sclerotiorum. By treating sclerotia with conidial suspensions of these Trichoderma strains, a strong inhibition of the myceliogenic germination was observed, as a result of the marked mycoparasitic activity exerted on the sclerotia. The parasitism over S. sclerotiorum was more effective with T. asperelloides CMAA 1584, whilst the biostimulant effects on cotton growth were more pronounced with T. lentiforme CMAA 1585, which also showed a higher capacity of phosphate solubilization. Thus, T. asperelloides CMAA 1584 displays higher efficiency in controlling S. sclerotiorum, while T. lentiforme CMAA 1585 is more suitable as a biostimulant due to its ability to promote growth in cotton plants. Overall, these Trichoderma strains may be used in mixture to provide both pathogen control and promotion of plant growth, and this strategy will support growers in minimizing the use of synthetic fertilizers and fungicides against white mold in cotton crops.

Endophyte genomes support greater metabolic gene cluster diversity compared with non-endophytes inTrichoderma

“…One of the benefits endophyte confer to their host plant is direct competition of invading fungi via mycoparasitism [129, 130]. Due to this selective pressure for mycoparasitic ability in endophyte genomes, we investigated if endophytic Trichoderma species have expanded chitinase repertoires.…”

Microbial Consortia for Plant Protection against Diseases: More than the Sum of Its Parts

“…[160] and the resulting potential to not only protect plants from important pathogens [161] but also to produce spores with a high survival rate during formulation [162]. Additionally, their ability to promote plant growth enables the use of Trichoderma strains as both biocontrol agents and biofertilizers [163]. We anticipate that this newly discovered Trichoderma species will quickly find their way onto the market of biocontrol products [164].…”

New strains of Trichoderma with potential for biocontrol and plant growth promotion improve early soybean growth and development

“…Therefore, there are several formulations of biofungicides containing Trichoderma that can be used for seed treatment, applied directly to the soil, or via foliar application (Rodrigues et al 2023). It is important to remember that Trichoderma can also promote plant growth and enhance the productivity of various crops such as soybean (Senger et al 2022), cotton (Silva et al 2022), sugarcane (Scudeletti et al 2021), and rice (Cortés-Rojas et al 2021). These fungi can improve root architecture and other plant organs through the production of phytohormones, such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) (Machado-Rosa et al 2023).…”

“…Rojas et al 2021;Senger et al 2022;Silva et al 2022). In our study, we isolated 66 native Trichoderma isolates from the rhizosphere of soybean plants cultivated in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.Similar previous research has successfully identi ed and isolated rhizospheric strains of Trichoderma in soybean and other plant species, demonstrating their potential for both biocontrol and promoting plant growth(Zhang et al 2017;Liu et al 2020;Yu et al 2021).…”