Evaluación in vitro del potencial antagonista de Trichoderma sp. y hongos endófitos de mora (Rubus glaucus Benth) para el control de Botrytis cinerea

Abstract

One of the main phytosanitary problems in blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth) crops in Ecuador is the fungus Botrytis cinerea that causes gray mold disease. The objective of this study was to determine the antagonistic capacity of four fungi against the pathogen B. cinerea. To carry out this research, two endophytic blackberry microorganisms were isolated (Clonostachys sp. and Alternaria sp.) and strains of Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma sp. belonging to the INIAP´s collection were used. The dual culture technique was used. The Bell scale was used to assess antagonism and the percentage of inhibition of mycelial growth was calculated for the antagonistic effect. T. asperellum y Trichoderma sp. grade I on the Bell scale, where the antagonist fungus inhibited the growth of B. cinerea by 75.1% and 73.7% respectively; while the isolate of Clonostachys sp. obtained grade II and despite its slow growth, it was observed that its spores parasitize the sclerotia of B. cinerea. On the other hand, the isolate of Alternaria sp. was located in grade III, consequently it was not efficient to avoid the growth of the pathogenic fungus.