Development and Evaluation of a Trichoderma-Based Bioformulation for Enhancing Sustainable Potato Cultivation

Abstract

The potato (Solanum tuberosum) is one of the most widespread and cultivated Solanaceae in the world. To overcome the increasing problems of intensive cultivation and climate change, finding new strategies to guarantee the needs of today and future generations has become mandatory. The use of biostimulants based on Trichoderma spp. can be an excellent alternative to reduce the use of pesticides, as well as to mitigate the effects of biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study we evaluated the effects of a new bioformulation containing two Trichoderma strains on potato growth and yield. Trichoderma strains were characterised morphologically and molecularly. Application of the new bioformulate was able to promote potato plant growth and caused a significant increase in plant fresh (+107%) and dry weight (+74%), and potato tuber fresh weight (+37%) and number (+41%), and it also improved potato yield (+36%). These findings suggest that the bioformulation is a viable alternative to reduce pesticide use and mitigate biotic and abiotic stress in potato cultivation.