Biocontrol of Phytophthora xcambivora on Castanea sativa: Selection of Local Trichoderma spp. Isolates for the Management of Ink Disease

Ink disease is a devastating of chestnut (Castanea sativa) worldwide, caused by Phytophthora species. The only management measures this are chemical and agronomic interventions. This work focuses on the evaluation in vitro antagonistic capacity 20 isolates Trichoderma spp. selected diseased orchard Tuscan Apennines (San Godenzo, Italy) for biocontrol xcambivora. Each isolate was tested to investigate pathogen inhibition capability antagonism dual cultures antibiosis secondary metabolites production (diffusible Volatile Organic Compounds). six most performing were further assessed their aptitude synthesize chitinase, glucanase cellulase, act as mycoparasite. All displayed control synergistically coupling mycoparasitism at different levels regardless species they belong to, but rather, relation specific features single genotypes. In particular, T. hamatum SG18 koningiopsis SG6 promising results inhibition, thus investigations needed confirm vivo efficacy.