A Trichoderma brevicompactum strain isolated in Mexico inhibits the growth of phytopathogenic fungi

Abstract

Fungi of the Trichoderma genus have been widely studied for their mycoparasitic characteristics that allow the generation of biological control products. In addition, some of them promote plant growth. Currently, there are over 300 species divided into 8 clades or lineages. Despite such diversity, few species have been reported in Mexico, and there is not representativeness of every clade. Here, we present the identification of the 2IG2102 strain of T. brevicompactum based on analysis of 3 phylogenetic markers, as well as its characterization as antagonist towards 2 Fusarium fungi, and it also boosts tomato and cucumber seed germination. Trichothecene biosynthesis might be a mechanism required to inhibit phytopathogens growth and in parallel affect the post-germinative growth of tomato. This is the first report of a Trichoderma belonging to the clade 6 isolated in Mexico, that displays capacity to antagonize fungi and it might produce trichothecenes for biological control.