Influence of application timing on the efficacy of rhizosphere adapted Trichoderma strains for biocontrol of Fusarium kalimantanense in banana tree

Authors

  • João Marcos Rodrigues dos Santos
  • Regimara Francisca Bernardo da Silva Vieira
  • Letícia Rejane Lima Araújo
  • Carlos Alberto Kenji Taniguchi
  • Adriana Guirado Artur
  • Daniel Augusto Schurt
  • Cristiano Souza Lima
  • Christiana de Fátima Bruce da Silva

Abstract

Developing sustainable alternatives to the chemical control of Panama disease in banana tree is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the dual role of Trichoderma strains isolated from banana tree rhizosphere in suppressing the disease severity and promoting plant growth. The isolates were characterized by ITS region sequencing, in vitro antagonism assays, and greenhouse experiments, using micropropagated ‘Prata Catarina’ banana plantlets. In vitro, the Trichoderma strains exhibited rapid growth and inhibited the mycelial expansion of the pathogen (14.85-22.44 %). Under greenhouse conditions, Trichoderma application reduced the disease severity, when compared to pathogen-only controls, particularly when applied after inoculation. Several isolates also enhanced plant growth and nutrient uptake. The Trichoderma asperellum (LPPC301) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (LPPC304) strains increased the plant height, pseudostem diameter, root length, and biomass, whereas LPPC238 and LPPC301 improved the phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur accumulation. Overall, the Trichoderma strains adapted to the banana tree rhizosphere mitigated the Panama disease and enhanced the plant vigor, supporting their potential for integration in sustainable and environmentally friendly banana production systems.

KEYWORDS: Musa spp., biological control, plant growth promotion, rhizosphere fungi.

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Published

2026-03-30

How to Cite

SANTOS, João Marcos Rodrigues dos; VIEIRA, Regimara Francisca Bernardo da Silva; ARAÚJO, Letícia Rejane Lima; TANIGUCHI, Carlos Alberto Kenji; ARTUR, Adriana Guirado; SCHURT, Daniel Augusto; LIMA, Cristiano Souza; SILVA, Christiana de Fátima Bruce da. Influence of application timing on the efficacy of rhizosphere adapted Trichoderma strains for biocontrol of Fusarium kalimantanense in banana tree. Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical [Agricultural Research in the Tropics], Goiânia, v. 56, p. e84284, 2026. Disponível em: https://revistas.ufg.br/pat/article/view/84284. Acesso em: 3 apr. 2026.

Issue

v. 56 (2026)

Section

Research Article

License

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