Bioprospection of Trichoderma spp. isolates to control Rhizoctonia solani on cucumber seedling production

The objective of this work was to select and identify Trichoderma spp. isolates for the control of Rhizoctonia solani (AG-4) damping-off on cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings, as well as to evaluate the effects of increasing concentrations and different combinations of the most efficient isolates in the disease control. The experiments were carried out in a greenhouse with 490 isolates. The disease on cucumber seedlings was evaluated one week after the application of a commercial substrate infested with both antagonist (1%) and pathogen (1%) to the seedlings' root collar. The twelve isolates that conferred more than 85% of disease reduction were further evaluated in pathogen control (1%) at the concentrations 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 4%. The effect of combining five of the most promising isolates in disease control was also evaluated. The most effective isolates were identified through the sequencing of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region. Out of the 490 isolates tested 44 (9%) caused reduction of damping-off. Antagonist concentrations higher than 2% conferred the most effective disease control. Only two combinations of isolates resulted in increased disease control. The most effective isolates were identified as T. hamatum (IB08, IB30, IB60), T. harzianum (IB34, IB35), T. atroviride (IB13), T. spirale (IB16, IB24) and T. asperellum (IB44). Three isolates could not be identified at species level.