Psychrophilic Trichoderma isolates from Subpolar Russia: in vitro antagonism against Rhizoctonia solani

Abstract: Trichoderma isolates were isolated from soil samples collected at the NenetsAutonomous Area, a region of Russia with extremely cold climatic conditions. Nine Trichodermaisolates were evaluated for their antagonistic properties against Rhizoctonia solani using an invitro challenge plate assay and incubation temperatures ranging from 12 to 22°C. Four isolateswith psychrophilic properties were selected for further study as potential biological controlagents. Study of the mechanisms of antagonism by these isolates is ongoing.