MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

In Vitro and Field Effectiveness of the Combination of Four Trichoderma spp. Against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Its Impact on Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Crop Production

Summary

This study tested whether four types of beneficial fungi (Trichoderma species) could control white mold disease on potato plants in Mexico. Both laboratory tests and field trials showed these fungi were very effective at killing the disease pathogen and stopping mold formation. Potatoes treated with the fungal mixture produced higher yields than those treated with chemical fungicides alone, suggesting this natural approach could replace many chemical pesticides.

Background

White mold (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) causes significant yield and quality reductions in potato production in Sinaloa, Mexico, with estimated losses around 30%. Current management relies heavily on synthetic fungicides, but resistance development has reduced their effectiveness. Biological control using Trichoderma species presents a sustainable alternative.

Objective

To evaluate the in vitro and field effectiveness of a combination of four Trichoderma species against S. sclerotiorum, assess alternating applications with synthetic fungicides compared to fungicides alone, and determine their impact on potato crop production in Sinaloa, Mexico.

Results

In vitro, all four Trichoderma species achieved 60.1-63.1% mycelial suppression in dual culture and 90.3-94.1% via volatile metabolites, completely suppressing sclerotia formation. In field trials, the Trichoderma combination reduced plant disease incidence to 66.0% and 55.6%, and tuber incidence to 1.6% and 1.3% in 2021 and 2022 respectively. Potato yield was highest with Trichoderma treatment (46.0 and 52.9 t ha⁻¹ in 2021 and 2022).

Conclusion

The combination of T. azevedoi, T. afroharzianum, T. asperellum, and T. asperelloides demonstrated superior efficacy in controlling white mold compared to synthetic fungicides alone, with significant yield improvements. This Trichoderma-based strategy offers a viable path to sustainable disease management and reduced dependence on synthetic fungicides in potato production.
  • Published in:Plants (Basel),
  • Study Type:Field Experiment,
  • Source: PMID: 41515101, DOI: 10.3390/plants15010156
Scroll to Top