BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ANTHRACNOSE WITH TRICHODERMA IN STRAWBERRY FIELDS

Abstract

Experiments were conducted in a strawberry farm located in Moguer (Huelva, SW Spain) from October to May for three consecutive growing seasons. The objective of this research was to evaluate the use of Trichoderma spp. for biocontrol of anthracnose in large-scale strawberry field experiments. Trichoderma spp. were applied via drip irrigation and dip, by addition to the soil 7-days before planting (10 conidia/m 2 ) , and by dipping strawberry roots in a suspension of Trichoderma (10 6 conidia/ml) prior to planting. A randomised complete block design with four replications was used. Each plot was 12.5 × 3.3 m and had three raised beds. Plants from the nursery were examined during October to detect latent infections of Colletotrichum spp. The highest percentage of anthracnose-infected transplants was detected in the second year. Crown infections were initiated in the nursery but were not apparent until after plants were set in production fields. The fungus continued to grow in infected plants, which later died suddenly following warm weather in the fall and the following spring. Trichoderma applications reduced anthracnose disease incidence and, consequently, plant mortality. This work contributes to the development and optimization of biocontrol with Trichoderma as alternatives to the traditional use of chemicals in strawberry production.