Using Trichoderma to Manage Sclerotia-Producing Phytopathogenic Fungi

Abstract

Sclerotia are resistance structures that allow several soil-borne plant pathogens to survive for extended periods of time. The white mold disease, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and the stem rot in Allium spp., caused by Stromatinia cepivora are examples of destructive pathogens in which sclerotia are the central survival structure in their life cycle. In this chapter, we explore the information on the use of Trichoderma to manage sclerotia-producing pathogens in Brazil. There are 34 registered commercial products registered in Brazil, and most of them are recommended to manage sclerotia-producing fungi. The mechanisms of action of Trichoderma against these pathogens involve mainly mycoparasitism. The number of species employed as active ingredients of these commercial products is very limited, although many other species have shown a high potential against these pathogens. The white mold pathogen in soybean was taken as an example of field management, where the technical recommendations are detailed. This management involves other practices in addition to the application of Trichoderma in an integrated manner, and they are essential to manage this disease in the field in Brazil.