Trichoderma asperellum Strain T34 Used as Biocontrol Agent Against Rhizoctonia solani in Potato Plants

Edgar Vilcacundo, Maria Isabel Trillas and Wilman Carrillo

Background and Objective: Potato, (Solanum tuberosum), the fourth most important agronomic crop in the world, may be susceptible of diseases caused by Rhizotocnia solani. This pathogen causes worldwide serious losses in crops of great economic importance. Many pesticides have been banned globally because of risks to human health and environmental pollution. Integrated pest and disease management is a priority. Biological control and other agronomic practices could replace the use of pesticides in the future. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of the biological control agent (BCA) Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 against phytopathogenic fungus R. solani in potato plants, as an alternative to the use of chemical products. Materials and Methods: Three methods of application of the biological control agent T. asperellum strain T34 were evaluated 1. Prevention in plants, 2. Curative method in plants and 3. Fragments method. Disease incidence (DI%) and disease severity (DS%) were evaluated in plants infected with R. solani. Results: Trichoderma asperellum strain T34 reduced the rates of disease and severity produced by R. solani around 60% when added to the substrate and the solution in the curative treatment. The preventive and curative treatments of T. asperellum T34 showed satisfactory results. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study were mainly attributed to mycoparasitism. T. asperellum strain T34 can be a useful biological alternative for the prevention and control of R. solani in potato plants.

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