The Influence of Temperature on the Growth, Sporulation, Colonization, and Survival of <i>Trichoderma</i> spp. in Grapevine Pruning Wounds

<i>Trichoderma</i> is a genus of fungi used for the biological control of plant diseases and a large number of its bio-formulates are available in the market. However, its efficacy under field conditions remains unclear, especially for the protection of grapevine plants against Grapevine...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Guzmán Carro-Huerga, Sara Mayo-Prieto, Álvaro Rodríguez-González, Samuel Álvarez-García, Santiago Gutiérrez, Pedro A. Casquero
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-09-01
Series:Agronomy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4395/11/9/1771
Description
Summary:<i>Trichoderma</i> is a genus of fungi used for the biological control of plant diseases and a large number of its bio-formulates are available in the market. However, its efficacy under field conditions remains unclear, especially for the protection of grapevine plants against Grapevine Trunk Diseases (GTDs). These diseases are caused by a complex of fungal pathogens whose main point of entrance into the affected plants is through pruning wounds. In this research, different <i>Trichoderma</i> native strains have been evaluated according to their ability to grow at different temperatures and their capacity to colonize pruning wounds in adverse climatic conditions. Strains from section <i>Trichoderma</i> have adapted to cooler conditions. On the other hand, strains from clade <i>Harzianum/Virens</i> grow at higher temperatures. However, differences can also be found between strains inside the same clade/section. Native strains were able to colonize more than 70% of vine pruning wounds in winter conditions. The <i>Trichoderma</i> strain T154 showed a significantly higher re-isolation degree from vine plants and its concentration was optimized for spraying onto vine plants. In conclusion, <i>Trichoderma</i> native strains are better adapted to survive in a changing environment, and they could give better protection to grapevine plants in co-evolution with each specific vineyard.
ISSN:2073-4395