Trichoderma and Clonostachys as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne incognita in sacha inchi

Kadir Márquez-Dávila,Liliana Vega,Raúl Gonzáles,Mario Meza,Luis Arévalo-López

doi:10.1590/1983-40632020v5060890

Abstract

ABSTRACT One of the main pathological problems for cropping sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is its susceptibility to root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita). In this study, fungal endophytes were explored in the stems and leaves of seven species of the Plukenetia genus, and also evaluated the abilities of isolates of Trichoderma and Clonostachys as biocontrol agents against damages caused by this nematode in sacha inchi. In order to evaluate such effects, seedlings were colonized with these fungal isolates, and then they were infested with root-knot nematode eggs. The results showed that the Plukenetia genus is rich in diversity of fungal endophytes. Their greatest diversity was found in Plukenetia brachybotria. Among the most efficient isolates for endophytic colonization, some of Trichoderma (e.g., kmd-36 and kmd-54) and others of Clonostachys (e.g., kmd-68 and kmd-80) provided a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the number of galls induced by the nematodes, in comparison to the control treatment without endophytic colonization. In addition, these isolates allowed a better root development in the tested plants, thus revealing a good biocontrol potential against M. incognita in sacha inchi.

Highlights

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) has generated interest in the international market, in recent years, due to the fact that its seeds contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and vitamins A and E (Chirinos et al 2013)
There is a lack of studies about fungal endophytes of sacha inchi, the practical aspects of endophytes, such as antibiosis, parasitism and colonization, have already been evaluated in other plant species (Harman et al 2004, Bailey et al 2008, Martínez et al 2013). Studies like these are very important in the development of bio-protection strategies and, for this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the abilities of isolates of Trichoderma and Clonostachys as potential biocontrol agents against damages caused by root-knot nematodes (M. incognita) in sacha inchi
(61 isolates) of seven species of the Plukenetia genus, with the observed endophytic colonization being greater in leaves than in stems

Summary

Introduction

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) has generated interest in the international market, in recent years, due to the fact that its seeds contain high levels of unsaturated fatty acids, proteins and vitamins A and E (Chirinos et al 2013). It adapts to degraded soils and grows associated with leguminous species, improving the soil fertility and generating positive environmental impacts (Pezo et al 2019, Solis et al 2019).

Methods

Results

Conclusion