Compatibility between Clonostachys isolates with a view to mixed inocula for biocontrol

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Mycology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• Effective biocontrol relies on compatible fungal antagonists.
• Phytophthora palmivora causes significant plant diseases.
• Developing reliable prescreening methods for fungal antagonist compatibility is crucial for biocontrol inocula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a prescreening method for predicting the compatibility of fungal antagonists.
• To assess the compatibility of 18 Clonostachys isolates against Phytophthora palmivora.

Main Methods:

• Compatibility testing using dual cultures, hyphal interaction experiments, and a modified double host-range experiment.
• Evaluation of 18 Clonostachys isolates against Phytophthora palmivora.

Main Results:

• Most Clonostachys isolate pairings showed growth inhibition and limited hyphal intermingling.
• Aggressiveness and susceptibility were isolate-dependent and not predictable from hyphal interaction experiments alone.
• The double host-range test indicated that inoculum ratio affected antagonistic capabilities, but the host did not.

Conclusions:

• Clonostachys isolate competitive abilities are partner-dependent, not solely resource-dependent.
• The developed double host-range test is a promising tool for assessing fungal antagonist compatibility.
• Further research is needed to correlate double host-range test results with field efficacy.