In vitro antagonistic effect of Trichoderma asperellum against Moniliophthora perniciosa
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Abstract
The study of phytopathogenic fungi in cacao plantations is essential for crop protection and the development of effective control strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antagonistic effect of Trichoderma asperellum against Moniliophthora perniciosa, which causes the disease "witches' broom." Both species (M. perniciosa from diseased cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) branches and T. asperellum from the rhizosphere) were isolated and molecularly identified using ITS barcoding and beta tubulin techniques. Exponential growth mathematical modeling was applied to model the growth of M. perniciosa in the presence of the antagonistic fungus T. asperellum. Logistic differential calculation based on the Lotka-Volterra model for competition was applied. The trial included 5 replicates with their respective controls. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of M. perniciosa at 98 % and T. asperellum at 100 %. In vitro assays demonstrated that T. asperellum effectively inhibits M. perniciosa through competition. The Lotka-Volterra model predicted T. asperellum dominance. In conclusion, the molecular, in vitro, and modeling results provide a solid basis for considering T. asperellum as a promising biocontrol agent for cacao witches' broom disease under controlled conditions.
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