Trichoderma species show biocontrol potential against Ceratocystis wilt in mango plants

Ceratocystis wilt, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, is an important disease that causes the decline and death of mango trees. Root infection by soil inoculum is common, and in such cases, the use of resistant plants is recommended. Because many commonly used cultivars are susceptible to the pathogen, an alternative method to manage the disease is needed, such as the use of Trichoderma spp. as a biological control agent. This study evaluated the potential of Trichoderma spp. to control C. fimbriata in the soil. Eight strains of Trichoderma were isolated from the rhizosphere of mango trees. Three known species were identified: Trichoderma harzianum (TF10 and TF12), Trichoderma longibrachiatum (TF1, TF2, TF5, and TF7) and Trichoderma asperelloides (TF4 and TF6). All eight strains inhibited C. fimbriata in dual culture assays. Trichoderma harzianum and T. asperelloides produced thermostable soluble metabolites that inhibited 100% of the pathogen’s mycelial growth while for T. longibrachiatum the inhibition ranged between 44 to 65%. These eight strains were also tested under greenhouse conditions. Trichoderma asperelloides strain TF6 reduced the incidence of the disease in the roots by 88%; TF12 by 52%, TF2, TF4, and TF7 by 40%; and TF1 by only 31%. This is the first report on the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma spp. against C. fimbriata in mango plants. Biocontrol using species of Trichoderma could be a sustainable, economically, and viable alternative for the management of Ceratocystis wilt.