Native Trichoderma Strains Biocontrol Potential against Soil-Borne Pathogens: Strawberry

Abstract

Strawberry production remains important in the world. Soil-borne fungal pathogens (such as Macrophomina phaseolina, Rhizoctonia spp., Fusarium oxysporum, Phytophthora spp., and Pythium spp.) are causing serious problems for strawberry farmers. Distinct treatments, such as fumigation, resilient varieties, solarization, rotating crops, synthetic fungicides, and cultural practices are used to combat infections of soil-borne in strawberries. Since strawberry fruits are consumed immediately, fungicide treatments raise a number of problems, including pesticide residue on the fruits which gives harmful effects on consumers. Solarized soils are often effective against certain soil-borne pathogens. New studies have focused on eco-friendly biological control agents (BCAs) that can be used as effective substitutes for fungicides. Trichoderma strains are efficient BCAs that have different mechanisms against soil-borne diseases in strawberries. Despite the success of commercial Trichoderma-based products, their low efficacy or ineffectiveness against targeted pathogens are major limitations under field conditions. Native Trichoderma strains that can be used to control this disease are ideal antagonists. This section discusses the potential of native Trichoderma strains to combat soil-borne pathogens in strawberry fields.