Testing cutinase produced by native Trichoderma isolate and its persistence in pod and flower surfaces on cocoa tree in South Sulawesi

Abstract

Trichoderma species is a powerful biocontrol agent against the agents of cocoa diseases. Although it is a typical soil fungus, it is associated with plant tissue as a symbiont. Trichoderma species has associated with cocoa as a living plant symbiont but understanding the main factor to help Trichoderma isolates in retaining in the plant cuticle is still scarce. While it is critical to understand its role in tissue surface, the study will reveal the ability of Trichoderma isolates obtained from South Sulawesi to produce cutinase in order to help spore’s persistence in pod and flower surfaces before penetrating to control cocoa diseases.