Saprobe Fungi from the southern Amazon: in vitro phytopathogen control

Abstract

Fungi play a pivotal role as nature's primary decomposers, thriving in diverse environments, particularly in soil and decaying organic matter. They contribute significantly to the renewal and recycling of materials, making a substantial impact on sustainable development. While research on saprophytic fungi in tropical regions has predominantly centered around South America, there is necessary to intensify studies in the Amazon region. This area remains relatively unexplored and is believed to harbor a greater biodiversity of species compared to temperate regions. Of notable importance agronomic field is the potential for saprophytic fungi to serve as novel biocontrol agents and resistance inducers. This study aimed to assess the capabilities of saprophytic fungi native to southern Amazonia in vitro, specifically in their ability to combat phytopathogens like Colletotrichum truncatum (LU2), Colletotrichum musae, Fusarium solani, Fusarium sp., Aspergillus clavatus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The evaluation encompassed direct confrontation, sporulation, quantification of sclerodes and microsclerodes, the mycelial growth rate index (MGRI), and the percentage of inhibition. The saprophytic fungi employed in the study, Beltrania rhombica, Brachysporiella sp., Dictyochaeta sp., and Gonytrichum sp., demonstrated a significant impact in direct confrontation. These fungi exhibited varying degrees of growth inhibition against A. clavatus, C. truncatum (LU2), C. musae, and F. udum, with notes from 1 to 2. The results underscore their efficiency as promising antagonists to phytopathogens. In conclusion, the saprophytic fungi under investigation exhibit substantial potential in the control of these plant pathogens.