Agroecological functions of Trichoderma harzianum, an endophytic fungus of the avocado root: its role in plant growth, defense and multitrophic interactions.
Aug 2026· Pest Management Science· 0 citations· 65 references
Medicine
TL;DR
The results support the use of T. harzianum as an effective bioinoculant to enhance plant growth and suppress pests, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals.
Abstract
Background
Trichoderma is a key rhizosphere fungus, yet its ecological role in avocado (Persea americana) physiology and multitrophic interactions remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the impact of Trichoderma harzianum TH1 on plant growth, defense mechanisms and natural enemy recruitment.
Results
T. harzianum TH1 was isolated from avocado roots and rhizosphere at a density of 3.5 × 104 CFU/g. Inoculation significantly promoted growth, increasing leaf formation by 23% and showing a 2-fold increase in leaf bud production. Furthermore, TH1 conferred resistance against the avocado mite Oligonychus perseae and the whitefly Tetraleurodes perseae, reducing whitefly populations >85%. This resistance was linked to a 27% increase in chlorophyll production and a 4-fold rise in salicylic acid (SA) levels, a key metabolite for systemic defense against sap-sucking herbivorous insects. Chemical analyses of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) revealed the emission of (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol, 1-octen-3-ol, β-ocimene, and β-copaene. These semiochemicals likely mediated the 2-fold increase in predatory mites (Euseius hibisci) observed in TH1-treated plants. Additionally, the presence of parasitoid wasps (Encarsia sp.) was recorded within the recruited natural enemy complex on avocado leaves.
Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) is highly susceptible to destructive soil-borne Fusarium pathogens, which cause severe vascular wilt and root rot. While Trichoderma species are widely applied as biocontrol agents, the potential of endophytic Trichoderma strains from loquat remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate loquat endophytic Trichoderma strains for their antifungal and plant growth-promoting capabilities. Ten isolates were identified through morphological and phylogenetic analyses as belonging to T. asperellum, T. virens and T. hamatum. Antagonistic activity was initially screened in vitro via dual-culture assays, followed by in vivo greenhouse pot experiments. In vitro results revealed that T. asperellum strains (B077R1 and B077B3) and T. virens GFR9 strongly inhibited the mycelial growth of both F. oxysporum and F. solani (inhibition rates > 50.65%), whereas T. hamatum isolates exhibited weaker antagonism (<35.18%). Moreover, T. asperellum B077R1 demonstrated the highest biocontrol efficacy in the greenhouse pot assay, significantly reducing disease severity caused by F. oxysporum and F. solani by 45.99% and 55.50%, respectively. This strain also significantly enhanced plant height, total biomass (fresh and dry weight) and photosynthetic pigment content (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that newly isolated endophytic Trichoderma strains from loquat exhibit robust host compatibility, offering a promising sustainable strategy for managing root rot in perennial fruit crops.
M. Hussain, Ting Yuan, Peiqi Liu et al.· Horticulturae· 0 citations
Abstract Entomopathogenic fungi are effective biological control agents for pest management, also demonstrating several benefits to host plants when acting as endophytes. These fungi benefit from the host’s nutrition and protection, while plants gain greater resistance to herbivores, pathogens, and other biotic stresses. This study evaluated one isolate each of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin for their endophytic colonization ability and growth-promotion effects in Eucalyptus L’Hér plants. Two methods of artificial inoculation, stem injection and foliar spraying, were used for both fungal species and performed at 0, 15, 30, and 45 days after inoculation. Both fungal isolates successfully colonized Eucalyptus tissues during all evaluated periods. The colonized Eucalyptus plants showed increased number of leaves and branches after endophytic colonization by B. bassiana. M. anisopliae had a higher colonization rate when inoculated by both methods (stem injection and foliar spraying). The positive effects of endophytic colonization on plant growth are associated with the production of bioactive metabolites by the species, via mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. Endophytic isolates offer strategies that may contribute to pest management in Eucalyptus plantations.
M. F. Ribeiro, J. P. L. Rocha, J. S. Pereira et al.· Brazilian Journal of Biology· 0 citations
IR6 exhibited the most notable agronomic performance, increasing seedling leaf area, fruit production, and fruit size under field conditions and demonstrating antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum, confirming its potential as a biocontrol agent and PGPR.
Dulce R. Hernández-Luna, I. Maldonado-Mendoza, Alicia Fierro-Coronado et al.· Canadian Journal of Microbio...· 0 citations
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a globally significant crop valued for its nutritional content and economic importance. This study evaluated the effect of individual and combined inoculation of two growth-promoting microorganisms in tomato: the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis. The research was conducted in chamber conditions using tomato plants cultivar Elpida, at two developmental stages: seedlings and transplanted plants. Colonization of B. bassiana in plant tissues was confirmed by isolation from different organs, showing a higher presence in stems. mycorrhizal colonization was evident in roots, with the highest intensity in coinoculation treatments, which also showed greater formation of structures typical of symbiosis. Regarding growth, B. bassiana promoted greater leaf number and shoot biomass in seedlings, while R. irregularis favored root development, which is important for adaptation after transplanting. Coinoculation resulted in a significant increase in leaf area and mycorrhizal colonization, especially after transplanting, suggesting that the combination of these microorganisms can enhance the growth of tomato plants. The results indicate that early inoculation with B. bassiana and R. irregularis can be an effective strategy to improve plant development, although additional studies are required to evaluate long-term effects and final yield.
Natalia Allegrucci, M. I. Troncozo, M. S. Velázquez et al.· Anais da Academia Brasileira...· 0 citations
To address the need for effective biocontrol of poplar anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, in this study, 20 Trichoderma strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of seven tree species on Tianzhu Mountain to screen for potent growth-promoting and antifungal agents. The inhibitory effects of the strains on C. gloeosporioides (Cgl) were evaluated through mycelial growth assays, volatile organic compound tests, and fermentation filtrate analysis, while their growth-promoting capabilities and induction of systemic resistance were assessed in poplar seedlings via biomass measurement, stomatal analysis, and gene expression profiling. The results demonstrated that T. asperelloides Tas369 significantly inhibited pathogen growth and improved seedling growth, increasing stomatal density by 134% and inducing phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POD) enzyme activities. Notably, Trichoderma composite (Tcom) outperformed single-strain treatments, achieving 89.8% control efficacy, reducing the malondialdehyde content by 1.1 mmol/g, and significantly upregulating the key defense genes NPR1 (14.32-fold) and PR1-1 (219.79-fold) through increased activity of the salicylic and jasmonic acid signalling pathways. In conclusion, while Tas369 exhibits strong individual potential, the Tcom consortium provides superior biocontrol through multiple mechanistic interactions, offering an effective and sustainable approach for managing poplar anthracnose in forestry applications.
Ning Kong, Bin Liu, Jing Han et al.· Microorganisms· 0 citations
