Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma virens for Biocontrol and Growth Promotion in Mustard (Brassica juncea)

Trichoderma asperellum and Trichoderma virens for Biocontrol and

Growth Promotion in Mustard

Junel F. Fuentes1,2*, Rea Sebumpan1,2, Rosmalinda O. Lobitaña1,2, Nanette Hope N. Sumaya1,2

1Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines
2Flora and Biodiversity Laboratory, Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City, Philippines

*Email: junel.fuentes@g.msuiit.edu.ph

This study aimed to assess the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma asperellum (MZ323879) and Trichoderma virens (OQ401068) against two plant pathogens, Fusarium wilt of cabbage and Gibberella sp., and their effects on the growth and development of mustard (Brassica juncea). The antagonistic interactions of T. asperellum and T. virens with these fungal pathogens were evaluated through in vitro dual culture assays in a 5-day incubation period and 3 trials. Results shows T. asperellum and T. virens exhibited antagonistic activity against F. oxysporum with an inhibition of 22.66%±2.44 and 32.33%±5.29, respectively; for G. moniliformis, 28.87%±4.03 and 21.68%±2.91, respectively. These findings underscored the biocontrol potential of the tested Trichoderma isolates against these specific fungal pathogens. Furthermore, ongoing experiments investigating the activity of volatile and diffusible compounds produced by the fungal isolates using a sealed plate method and cellophane method, will provide valuable insights on the inhibitory properties of volatile compounds produced by T. asperellum and T. virens against the targeted plant pathogens. Additionally, the effects of these potential volatile compounds on mustard seedlings’ growth and development are being investigated in vivo. Growth parameters of mustard seedlings treated with Trichoderma volatiles will be compared with those of untreated seedlings to ascertain the influence of volatile compounds on plant growth. Collectively, this study contributes to understanding the biocontrol potential of T. asperellum and T. virens against F. oxysporum and G. moniliformis through antagonistic assays. These findings have implications for sustainable agricultural practices.