In Vitro and in Planta Evaluation of Trichoderma asperellum TA as a Biocontrol Agent Against Phellinus noxius, the Cause of Brown Root Rot Disease of Trees

Hao Chou; Yi-Ting Xiao; Jyh-Nong Tsai; Ting-Ting Li; Hung-Yi Wu; Li-yu D. Liu; Der-Syh Tzeng; Chia-Lin Chung

doi:10.1094/PDIS-01-19-0179-RE

In Vitro and in Planta Evaluation of Trichoderma asperellum TA as a Biocontrol Agent Against Phellinus noxius, the Cause of Brown Root Rot Disease of Trees

Resource

Plant Disease 103(11): 2733-2741

Journal

Plant Disease

Journal Volume

103

Journal Issue

11

Pages

2733-2741

Date Issued

2019-11

Date

2019-11

Author(s)

Hao Chou

Yi-Ting Xiao

Jyh-Nong Tsai

Ting-Ting Li

Hung-Yi Wu

Li-yu D. Liu

Der-Syh Tzeng

Chia-Lin Chung

DOI

10.1094/PDIS-01-19-0179-RE

URI

https://scholars.tari.gov.tw/handle/123456789/4186

Abstract

Brown root rot (BRR), caused by the white rot fungus Phellinus noxius, is an epidemic disease of diverse broadleaved and coniferous tree species in many tropical and subtropical regions. Flooding and trenching control measures are difficult to implement, and chemical controls can have an adverse impact on ecosystems. Previous studies have provided in vitro evidence for the potential use of Trichoderma spp. for biocontrol of BRR. Here, we analyzed the in vitro antagonistic and mycoparasitic abilities of four Trichoderma spp. isolates against four P. noxius isolates in dual culture and Ficus microcarpa wood blocks. A convenient inoculation system based on root inoculation of a highly susceptible loquat (Eriobonya japonica) with P. noxius-colonized wheat-oat grains was developed to examine the effect of Trichoderma treatment in planta. Preventive application of Trichoderma asperellum TA, the isolate showing high antagonistic activity in vitro, was effective in preventing and delaying the wilting of P. noxius-inoculated loquat cuttings in greenhouse trials. To understand the specific niche in which T. asperellum TA interacts with P. noxius, KOH-aniline blue fluorescence microscopy was used to investigate the colonization of loquat roots by P. noxius and/or T. asperellum TA. Dilution plating assays were also conducted to quantify Trichoderma populations in the rhizosphere and potting mix. T. asperellum TA was able to robustly establish in the rhizosphere and potting mix but with scarce root penetration limited to the superficial layer. We discuss the timing and strategy for applying antagonistic Trichodema sp. on living trees or in BRR-infested areas for BRR management.

Subjects

brown root rot (BRR)

Phellinus noxius

Trichoderma

loquat

inoculation

root colonization

rhizosphere

microscopy

Publisher

American Phytopathological Society

Type

journal article

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