Amazonian Trichoderma spp. as Biocontrol Agents Against Agroathelia rolfsii and for Improving Tomato Yield

Abstract

Sclerotium rot, caused by Agroathelia rolfsii, is one of the main soil-borne diseases that limit tomato production. This study evaluates the efficacy of Amazonian Trichoderma species in controlling Sclerotium rot and stimulating plant development under field conditions in Manaus, Brazil. We used six Trichoderma isolates based on their previously evaluated performance under greenhouse conditions. The incidence of Sclerotium rot, tomato fruit production, and functional attributes of the isolates were evaluated. The isolates reduced the incidence of Sclerotium rot by up to 75 percentage points and also increased fruit production. T. rugulosum showed the best performance as it significantly reduced the incidence of Sclerotium rot and improved fruit yield. Although no differences were found in biomass allocation to plant organs, T. endophyticum, T. agriamazonicum, and T. asperelloides showed production of indolic compounds in vitro. The results highlight the potential of Amazonian Trichoderma isolates as biofungicides for use in sustainable tomato cultivation. In addition, we demonstrated the potential of Amazonian Trichoderma species both to reduce the incidence of Sclerotium rot and to increase fruit production. By reducing the use of synthetic agrochemicals, the use of Trichoderma promotes healthier and more sustainable agricultural practices.