BioControl (2020) 65, 737-749

Lisa Joos, Gisèle L. Herren, Marjolein Couvreur, Isabelle Binnemans, Feyisara Eyiwumi Oni, Monica Höfte, Jane Debode, Wim Bert and Hanne Steel (2020)
Compost is a carrier medium for Trichoderma harzianum
BioControl 65 (6), 737-749
Abstract: Trichoderma spp. are one of the most commercialized fungal biocontrol agents. To improve its applicability, while preserving its effectiveness against diseases, a selection of composts were tested as carrier mediums. The population dynamic of T. harzianum was studied in three composts differing in biological characteristics based on the Nematode Index of Compost Maturity (NICM). The results showed a decline in the T. harzianum population, which became stable after six or eight weeks, irrespective of compost, concentration or sterilization. The bioassay with Rhizoctonia solani on bean showed promising results for disease control after storage of the inoculated composts. Nevertheless, T. harzianum was ineffective against R. solani in one compost with a high NICM value, likely related to its sub-optimal physicochemical characteristics and lower root colonization. Compost is a suitable carrier medium for T. harzianum, but the NICM value is not a good indicator to predict the survival rate nor the disease suppression activity of compost inoculated with T. harzianum.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Monica Höfte, Jane Debode

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
application technology

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhizoctonia solani	Beans (Phaseolus)
Trichoderma harzianum (antagonist)	Rhizoctonia solani	Beans (Phaseolus)