Trichoderma atroviride as a promising biocontrol agent in seed coating for reducing Fusarium damping‐off on maize

Abstract

Aims: The objective of this work was to identify a fungal strain showing potential biocontrol abilities against two Fusarium damping-off agents and to test it as a Biological Control Agent (BCA) in maize seed coating under field conditions. Methods and Results: A collection of native fungal strains associated with maize in Belgium was screened for antagonistic potential against Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium culmorum. The strain with highest biocontrol potential was identified as an endophytic Trichoderma atroviride BC0584. In greenhouse, it significantly improves the emergence of seedlings infected by F. avenaceum or F. culmorum pathogens. In most field trials carried out during the season 2017, it significantly increased the emergence rate of infected seedlings compared to untreated seeds. One slurriable powder formulation allows BCA conidia to survive over a 6-month storage period at 4°C. Conclusions: The fungal BC0584 strain is a promising BCA that could be an alternative to synthetic fungicides. It is adapted to local environmental conditions, is easily and cheaply produced and can be stored in a low-cost formulation. Significance and Impact of the Study: In Belgium, this is the first study to use a T. atroviride native strain against Fusarium damping-off on maize crop. Modes of action and required conditions for ensuring high biocontrol activity in the field have still to be investigated.

Trichoderma atroviride LZ42 Releases Volatile Organic Compounds Promoting Plant Growth and Resisting Fusarium wilt Disease in Tomatoes

“…In this study, we identified and investigated a coconut-scented T. atroviride strain LZ42 with a plant-growth-promoting effect and biocontrol activity. T. atroviride LZ42 formulated in talc exhibited a significant control effect on Fusarium wilt of tomatoes in greenhouses and promoted the accumulation of plant biomass and growth, which is consistent with the activity of another T. atroviride strain BC0584 [37].…”

Tracking pesticide exposure to operating workers for risk assessment in seed coating with tebuconazole and carbofuran

“…By delivering materials such as micronutrients and crop protection agents such as pesticides, seed‐coating is an effective way to prevent seed‐ and soil‐borne diseases, and underground and even aboveground pests that attack seedlings. Because it significantly reduces the amount of pesticides required and increases the efficiency of disease control, coating has become a gold standard seed treatment in China 2–4 . Moreover, the coating formula improves plant cultivation by forming an artificial outer layer or surface film, coloring and pelleting 5 .…”

“…Because it significantly reduces the amount of pesticides required and increases the efficiency of disease control, coating has become a gold standard seed treatment in China. [2][3][4] Moreover, the coating formula improves plant cultivation by forming an artificial outer layer or surface film, coloring and pelleting. 5 This enhances seed quality and germination, 6 early plant establishment, and abiotic stress alleviation 7 by altering the shape, weight and surface texture of the seed, improving seed-soil contact or manipulating imbibition (the absorption of water in soil).…”

Metabolic Footprints of Burkholderia Sensu Lato Rhizosphere Bacteria Active against Maize Fusarium Pathogens

“…Fusarium spp. is a ubiquitous soil-borne plant pathogenic fungus that can cause highly damaging infections characterized by severe decay of seeds, roots, stems, ears or kernels [1,2]. Fusarium verticillioides (Gibberella fujikuroi mating population A; teleomorph, Gibberella moniliformis Wineland) is the prevalent species of Fusarium in distinct landscapes [3,4], and the losses caused by this fungus can vary from 7% to 38% [5].…”