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Agriculture

Biological Pest Control: New Research on Trichoderma Species Shows Promising Potential

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

New research from Sindh Agriculture University has shed light on the antifungal potential of Trichoderma species against Penicillium expansum, the causal agent of blue mold rot of onion in Pakistan. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of four Trichoderma species against the disease and found that T. harzianum and T. viride inhibited the growth of the test fungus by about 63% and 46%, respectively. The research concluded that the Trichoderma species showed promising potential to control the blue mold rot of onion and are recommended for application as postharvest biocontrol agents in Pakistan.

Key Takeaways:

  • T. harzianum and T. viride inhibited the growth of P. expansum by 63% and 46%, respectively, in vitro.
  • T. harzianum reduced rot severity by 64% and T. viride by 41% in vivo.
  • The study found that the Trichoderma species have antifungal potential to reduce the mycelial growth of P. expansum and against the blue mold rot severity on onion.
  • The research recommends the use of Trichoderma species as postharvest biocontrol agents in Pakistan for management of blue mold rot of onion.
  • The study suggests that future studies should focus on formulation development and commercial-scale validation.
  • The antifungal potential of Trichoderma species was found to be efficient in reducing the rot severity on onion.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from Sindh Agriculture University, including Muhammad Waris, Manzoor Ali Abro, Jamal-U-Ddin Hajano, and Arfan Ahmed Gilal.

Statistics:

  • 63% inhibition of P. expansum growth by T. harzianum in vitro.
  • 46% inhibition of radial mycelial colony growth of P. expansum by T. viride in vitro.
  • 64% reduction in rot severity by T. harzianum in vivo.
  • 41% reduction in rot severity by T. viride in vivo.
  • 37.3% rot severity on onion treated with T. harzianum.
  • 51.0% rot severity on onion treated with T. viride.
  • 86.7% rottening in control group.

Sources:

  • Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control - https://ejbpc.springeropen.com/
  • https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-025-00875-y
  • NewsRx
  • Life Science Weekly

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