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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

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Published on: December 5, 2020

Non-Target Effects of Trichoderma Spore Suspensions and Secondary Metabolites on Phytoseiid Predatory Mites

Cihan Aslı1,2, Yunus Korkom2, Daniel Carrillo3

  • 1Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, 09010 Aydin, Türkiye.

Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Trichoderma fungi show minimal impact on predatory mite egg hatchability but cause moderate adult mortality, especially from secondary metabolites. Careful evaluation is crucial for integrating Trichoderma into integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Entomology
  • Biological Control
  • Mycology

Background:

  • Trichoderma fungi are explored for controlling plant pests.
  • Limited data exists on Trichoderma's impact on beneficial predatory mites.
  • Predatory mites are vital for biological pest control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess non-target effects of Trichoderma afroharzianum and Trichoderma virens on predatory mites.
  • To evaluate impacts on egg hatchability and adult mortality of Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus californicus, and Amblyseius swirskii.
  • To inform the safe use of Trichoderma in integrated pest management (IPM).

Main Methods:

  • Laboratory assessment of spore suspensions and secondary metabolites from Trichoderma.
  • Tested effects on egg hatchability and adult mortality of three key predatory mite species.
  • Quantified mortality and hatchability at various time points post-application.

Main Results:

  • Spore suspensions had no significant effect on egg hatchability (97-99%).
  • Secondary metabolites slightly reduced egg hatchability (94-96%).
  • Both treatments caused moderate adult mortality, increasing over 6 days, with secondary metabolites being more potent.

Conclusions:

  • Trichoderma applications have minimal impact on predatory mite egg viability.
  • Adult predatory mites experience moderate mortality, particularly from secondary metabolites.
  • Compatibility of Trichoderma products with beneficial mites must be assessed for IPM programs.
Keywords:
Amblyseius swirskiiNeoseiulus californicusPhytoseiulus persimilisTrichoderma afroharzianumTrichoderma virensbiological controlmycoparasitic funginon-target effects

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