Induction of Systemic Resistance in Tomato and Cauliflower by Trichoderma Spp. against Stalk Rot Pathogen, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib) De Bary

In cauliflower and tomato Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride application at the sites spatially separated from the S. sclerotiorum inoculation resulted in a 30-70 per cent suppression of stalk rot symptoms, caused by a delay or suppression of spreading hlighting/blackening formation. Ghen the spatial separation of both microorganisms, this effect was attributed to the induction of systemic resistance by Trichoderma spp. The observations show the superiority of T. harzianum  isolates over T. virid e isolates in induction of systematic resistance (ISR). In tomato and cauliflower the effects of Trichoderma, spp. were similar which confirmed that the induction of plant defense might also play role in biocontrol. Since, the suppression of the disease symptoms on leaves sprayed with Trichoderma  spp. was on par with seed and seedling treated plants with Trichoderma spp., it indicates about the ISR-hypothesis. This study also shows that Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride may be effective in crop canopy.