Biological efficacy of marine-derived Trichoderma in controlling chili anthracnose and black spot disease in Chinese kale

Abstract

Anthracnose and black spot diseases wreak devastating effects on chili and Chinese kale cultivation in Thailand and many other countries. Fungicide application to control these diseases may affect consumers directly, especially those consuming these vegetables fresh. The aims of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of marine-derived Trichoderma in controlling chili anthracnose and black spot disease in Chinese kale caused by Colletotrichum truncatum and Alternaria brassicicola, respectively, in vivo and in field tests. The results in this study show the effectiveness of marine-derived Trichoderma in controlling both diseases. Among Trichoderma tested, T. asperellum KUFA 0111 and T. harzianum KUFA 0141 showed significant biocontrol activity against anthracnose incidence in both fruit and leaf tests. The marine-derived Trichoderma also displayed high biocontrol efficacy in controlling black spot of Chinese kale under both greenhouse and field conditions. They showed more effective protective activity in controlling disease than curative activity. Trichoderma asperellum KUFA 0121, T. hamatum KUFA 0170 and T. harzianum KUFA 0155 showed promising biocontrol efficacy in controlling black spot of Chinese kale by 26.7–31.08 and 22.6–24.06% disease reduction in protective and curative activities, respectively. Their antagonistic activities comprised fast growth with high competitiveness for resources and production of antifungal metabolites. Data obtained in this study showed the capability of marine-derived Trichoderma in controlling diseases of chili and Chinese kale and their potential for development as novel biocontrol agents to replace synthetic fungicides and support sustainable organic farming. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2023, Koninklijke Nederlandse Planteziektenkundige Vereniging.