Abstract
Abstract: Seed microbiolization is an alternative to chemical pesticides for seed treatment in organic agriculture. Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the initial growth and control of fungi associated with organic cotton seeds, through seed microbiolization with Trichoderma sp. and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Certified cotton seeds (cultivar Aroeira), whose linter was removed with sulfuric acid, were analyzed in a completely randomized design in a 5 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme, corresponding to five concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0), two biocontrol agents (Trichoderma sp. and S. cerevisiae), and an additional treatment composed of a fungicide (Captan®). Seed health, germination, and emergence tests were conducted to confirm the hypotheses. The microbiolization of seeds is efficient in reducing both incidence and initial growth of fungi in organic cotton cv. Aroeira. The appraised biocontrol agents proved to be superior to the chemical treatment regarding the initial seedling growth. Trichoderma sp. is the most effective agent and provides a high initial seedling growth and a significant reduction in fungal incidence.
Highlights
One of the biggest obstacles to organic production is finding alternatives for controlling diseases that have as similar effectiveness as the usual agrochemicals
Certified organic cotton seeds of the cultivar Aroeira were provided by the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA). They had the linter removed though wet sulfuric acid delinting (H2SO4). They were analyzed in compliance with a completely randomized design, in a 5 x 2 + 1 factorial scheme, corresponding to five concentrations, two biocontrol agents, and the fungicide
The isolate of Trichoderma sp. (CMLT005) belonged to the microorganism collection of the LAFIT — University of Paraíba (UFPB), and it had been first obtained from seeds of Leucaena leucocephala
Summary
One of the biggest obstacles to organic production is finding alternatives for controlling diseases that have as similar effectiveness as the usual agrochemicals. Among the limitations of such production system when applied to cotton culture, Kikuti et al (2002) point out the difficulty in obtaining seeds with high physical, physiological, and sanitary qualities. These aspects can guarantee the establishment of crops with plant stands that are uniform, vigorous, and free from diseases, directly reflecting on the final yield. As in many other cultures, the seeds are the most efficient object for survival and dissemination of several phytopathogens of economic importance. By affecting seed quality directly, they can cause the death of seedlings before and after emergence, leading to loss of vigor, reduction in germination, and rotting
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