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Trichoderma viride suppresses fumonisin B1 production by Fusarium moniliforme
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
Abstract:
Biocontrol activity against Fusarium moniliforme was analyzed for a Trichoderma viride strain isolated from root segments of corn plants grown in Piedmont Georgia. The isolate suppressed radial extension of F. moniliforme colonies during cocultivation on potato dextrose agar and fumonisin B1 (FB1) production during incubation of both fungi on corn kernels. T. viride decreased radial extension of F. moniliforme by 46% after 6 days and by 90% after 14 days. Furthermore, the colony diameter of F. moniliforme was less at 14 days than at 5 days, suggesting that F. moniliforme mycelia were undergoing lysis. FB1 production by F. moniliforme on corn kernels decreased by 85% when both organisms were inoculated the same day onto corn kernels and by 72% when inoculation of T. viride was delayed by 7 days after F. moniliforme inoculation. These results are the first to demonstrate that T. viride can suppress FB1 production by F. moniliforme, thereby functioning to control mycotoxin production. Thus, this isolate may be useful in biological control to inhibit F. moniliforme growth as a preharvest agent to prevent disease during plant development and/or as a postharvest agent during seed storage to suppress FB1 accumulation when kernels are dried inadequately.
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.