Integrated assessment of the mycoparasitic and phytostimulating properties of Trichoderma strains against Rhizoctonia solani

Abstract

In this work, biocontrol efficacy of the two Trichoderma harzianum sensu stricto and Trichoderma atroviride (teleomorph: Hypocrea atroviridis) isolates against root rot disease agent Rhizoctonia solani (teleomorph Thanatephorus cucumeris) and related biostimulation effect on beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were investigated. Efficacy of the agents was compared with commercially available products; T-22 Planter-Box [Trichoderma harzianum Rifai Irk KRL-AG2 WP], Trichoflow [Trichoderma harzianum FL], Sim Derma [Trichoderma harzianum KU EN 1585] and fungicide Thiram 80% WP. Consequently, Trichoderma harzianum sensu stricto 10.T.TR.7 was found to be the most effective isolate that decreased the disease severity caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG 4 HG-I about 65%, by comparison with the other treatments in the study. Moreover, this isolate also stimulated the growth of bean plants by increasing seedling height, root length and root weight by 11.3%, 37.5% and 94.4%, respectively. T. atroviride isolate was not so effective in preventing root rot disease of beans, while it caused 26.7% increase in plant fresh weight. Neither commercially available biocontrole products, nor fungicide treatment significantly decreased root rot caused by R. solani.