Determination of the effects of Trichoderma spp., obtained from agricultural areas in aydin province, on charcoal rot disease in strawberry and plant growth

Objective: The isolation and identification of Trichoderma spp. from agricultural areas of Aydın province were carried out to determine the biological control potential of these isolates against charcoal rot disease in strawberry and their effects on plant growth. Material and Methods: Trichoderma spp. were isolated by dilution series method. The effects of the obtained Trichoderma isolates to Macrophomina phaseolina were determined in vitro and in vivo. Trichoderma isolates used in vivo were identified morphological and molecular. The secondary metabolites of the isolates used in the field trials and the effects of these metabolites on plant growth and M. phaseolina were evaluated. Field studies on the Fortuna strawberry variety were repeated for two years in the Sultanhisar district of Aydn province. Trichoderma isolates were treated to the plants at a rate of 100 cc/plant (108 spores/ml), and the population density of Trichoderma, M. phaseolina (cfu/g soil), plant mortality rate (%), yield (kg/da) in the plots were determined. Results: It was revealed that 15 of 88 Tichoderma isolates obtained from soil samples were most effective against M. phaseolina in vitro, and these isolates were determined as Trichoderma afroharzianum, T. guizhouense, and T. harzianum by morphological and molecular identification. The T. guizhouense species is the first record in Turkey. In addition, siderophore, cellulase and chitinase activities of these isolates were found to be positive. It was determined that the secondary metabolites of T. afroharzianum Tr138 and Tr132 isolates stimulate plant growth and restrict the growth of M. phaseolina. It was determined that the M. phaseolina population reduced, that the plant mortality rate was lower and yield increased by 25%-37% in the plots where Trichoderma isolates were applied in field trials. Conclusion: It has been revealed that Trichoderma species obtained from agricultural areas of Aydin province can be used to control charcoal rot disease, as well as to promote plant growth and yield increased in strawberry. Keywords: Macrophomina phaseolina, T. afroharzianum, T. guizhouense, T. harzianum, Biological control