Trichoderma viride suppresses fumonisin B1 production by Fusarium moniliforme

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 18, 2026

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays
10:01

Quantification of Fungal Colonization, Sporogenesis, and Production of Mycotoxins Using Kernel Bioassays

Published on: April 23, 2012

I E Yates1, F Meredith, W Smart

  • 1Richard B. Russell Agricultural Research Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Athens, Georgia 30604, USA. iyates@ars.usda.gov

Journal of Food Protection
|November 26, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A Trichoderma viride strain effectively controlled Fusarium moniliforme growth and fumonisin B1 (FB1) mycotoxin production in corn. This biocontrol agent shows promise for pre- and post-harvest applications in agriculture.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Mycology
  • Plant Pathology

Background:

  • Fusarium moniliforme is a significant pathogen of corn, producing fumonisin B1 (FB1), a harmful mycotoxin.
  • Biological control agents offer a sustainable approach to manage plant diseases and mycotoxin contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the biocontrol efficacy of a Trichoderma viride isolate against Fusarium moniliforme.
  • To assess the impact of T. viride on F. moniliforme radial growth and FB1 production.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of Trichoderma viride from corn roots in Georgia.
  • In vitro cocultivation of T. viride and F. moniliforme on potato dextrose agar.
  • Incubation of both fungi on corn kernels to quantify FB1 production under different inoculation timings.

Main Results:

  • T. viride significantly suppressed F. moniliforme radial extension by 46% at 6 days and 90% at 14 days.
  • Mycelial lysis of F. moniliforme was observed, indicating active antagonism.
  • FB1 production was reduced by 85% when co-inoculated and 72% when T. viride inoculation was delayed by 7 days.

Conclusions:

  • Trichoderma viride demonstrates potent biocontrol activity against Fusarium moniliforme and its mycotoxin, FB1.
  • This T. viride isolate can be utilized as a pre- or post-harvest agent to mitigate F. moniliforme infections and FB1 accumulation in corn.

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