Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2025
Measuring Volatile and Non-volatile Antifungal Activity of Biocontrol Products
Published on: December 5, 2020
Preparation of Trichoderma asperellum Microcapsules and Biocontrol of Cucumber Powdery Mildew
Qi Qi1, Chengcheng Fan1, Hongqu Wu2
1Key Laboratory of Sustainable Forest Ecosystem Management-Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
Microencapsulation is an important technique for protecting the viability and activity of microorganisms under adverse environmental conditions. To improve biological control, controlled-release microcapsules of Trichoderma asperellum were prepared and embedded in combinations of the biodegradable wall materials sodium alginate (SA). The microcapsules were evaluated for their ability to control cucumber powdery mildew in the greenhouse. The results showed that the highest encapsulation efficiency of 95% was obtained by applying 1% SA and 4% calcium chloride. The microcapsules provided good, controlled release and UV resistance, and could be stored for a long time. The greenhouse experiment revealed that the T. asperellum microcapsules had a maximal biocontrol efficiency of 76% against cucumber powdery mildew. In summary, embedding T. asperellum in microcapsules is a promising technique to improve the survivability of T. asperellum conidia. The T. asperellum microcapsules exerted significant biocontrol efficiency against cucumber powdery mildew. IMPORTANCE Trichoderma asperellum is widely found in plant roots and soil and has been used for the biocontrol of various plant pathogens; however, the control efficiency of T. asperellum is usually unstable in field trials. To improve the control efficiency of T. asperellum, in the present study, T. asperellum microcapsules were prepared using sodium alginate as wall material to reduce the effects of temperature, UV irradiation, and other environmental factors on its activity, and to significantly improve its biocontrol efficiency on cucumber powdery mildew. Microcapsules can prolong the shelf life of microbial pesticides. This study provides a new way to prepare a biocontrol agent against cucumber powdery mildew with high efficiency.
Insights
Microencapsulation of Trichoderma asperellum using sodium alginate improves its survival and biocontrol efficiency against cucumber powdery mildew. This technique enhances UV resistance and prolongs shelf life for effective pest management.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microencapsulation protects microorganisms, enhancing biocontrol agent stability.
- Trichoderma asperellum is a beneficial fungus used against plant pathogens but suffers from unstable field efficacy.
- Environmental factors like UV radiation and temperature reduce the viability of microbial agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop controlled-release microcapsules of Trichoderma asperellum using sodium alginate.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these microcapsules in controlling cucumber powdery mildew.
- To improve the survivability and field performance of Trichoderma asperellum.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of microcapsules using sodium alginate (SA) and calcium chloride.
- Optimization of encapsulation parameters for high efficiency.
- Greenhouse evaluation of microcapsule biocontrol efficacy against cucumber powdery mildew.
Main Results:
- Optimal encapsulation efficiency of 95% achieved with 1% SA and 4% calcium chloride.
- Microcapsules demonstrated controlled release, UV resistance, and extended storage stability.
- Maximal biocontrol efficiency of 76% against cucumber powdery mildew was recorded.
Conclusions:
- Microencapsulation of Trichoderma asperellum in sodium alginate is a promising strategy.
- The developed microcapsules significantly enhance survivability and biocontrol efficacy.
- This method offers a viable approach for developing stable and effective microbial pesticides against cucumber powdery mildew.
