The effect of Trichoderma harzianum on fungal pathogens infesting wheat and black oat straw

Abstract

Inoculation of wheat and black oat straw with Trichoderma harzianum resulted in a reduction in the incidence of Cochliobolus sativus (wheat only), Fusarium graminearum and other Fusarium spp. The Trichoderma treatment had no effect on the isolation of Pyrenophora avenae from black oat residues. Trichoderma harzianum was more effective in colonizing the substrate and in reducing the incidence of pathogens in wheat than in black oat, but it had no effect on decomposition of either type of residue, as determined by dry weight loss at the end of the experiment.