Trichoderma biocontrol of Biscogniauxia mediterranea: variation in responses among genetically diverse isolates

Abstract: Biscogniauxia mediterranea is a fungal pathogen attacking a wide range of hosts especially on the genus Quercus. In this work, three genetically diverse B. mediterranea isolates associated with Q. suber have been checked for their response to Trichoderma harzianum confrontation. Its antagonistic effect was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The pathogens showed very little resistance to T. harzianum. Furthermore, the intensity of this resistance varied among isolates. These results may suggest that the resistance of B. mediterranea to Trichoderma is influenced by genetic factors. These findings will be useful for establishing biological control strategies against Charcoal Canker Disease caused by B. mediterranea.