Control biológico de la Antracnosis causada por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz. y Sacc.) en Tomate de Árbol (Solanum betaceum Cav.) mediante hongos endófitos antagonistas

Abstract

Anthracnose on tomato tree (Solanum betaceum) is known by our farmers as “chicken eye”. It is produced by fungi of the genus Colletotrichum Sp. It is a disease causing major losses. Up to now it is controlled by the use of chemical products, which are sometimes harmful for people and the environment. The use of microorganisms for inhibiting the development of phytopathogenic microorganisms is an alternative control. Three isolated antagonist endophyte fungi isolated on two medicinal plants were used in this research: Chuquiragua (chuquiragua jussieui) and Ñachag (Bidens andícola Kunth). Three treatments with endophyte fungi were applied: the first treatment involves the genus Nigrospora. Sp; the second involves the second stump of Nigrospora Sp; and the third is an endophyte fungus taxonomically considered as a sterile mycelium. Also, a referential witness was used (inoculum of Colletotrichum) and an absolute witness (without inoculum). The bioassay is conducted in semi-controlled conditions of relative temperature and humidity. Statistical analysis finds that the best treatment is the second, followed by the first. The third treatment and the absolute witness are statistically similar while significant differences are found in the second treatment and the referential witness. These results are evidence of decrease and control of damaged caused by C. Gloesporoides on Solanum betaceum. It can be stated that such stump does not influence the physiology of the crop negatively and may promote an improved development of the biomass inasmuch as plants under treatment are observed to be healthier. It is recommended to test a combination of inoculums of antagonist endophyte fungi, to evaluate their antagonistic potential in open spaces and different environmental conditions, as well as to evaluate the use of macro and micro nutrients for a more effective biocontrol.