Potential for biocontrol of Lasiodiplodia theobromae (Pat.) Griff. & Maubl. in banana fruits by Trichoderma species

Fifteen Trichoderma isolates were tested for their antagonistic ability aga inst Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Trichoderma harzianum exhibited the greatest inhibition in dual culture. Microscopic investigation demonstrated direct parasitism and coiling of T. harzianum and T. viride around hyphae oft, the obromae, causing swollen, deformed, shortened, or rounded cells of the path ogen. Granulation of cytoplasm and disintegration of the hyphal walls of L. theobromae also were noted in dual culture. Trichoderma viride reduced rot ting by 29.07 to 65.06% in artificially inoculated banana fruits, Treatment of banana fruits with T. viride 4 h prior to inoculation with L, theobroma e provided better protection than simultaneous application or treatment 4 h after inoculation. (C) 1999 Academic Press.