Influence of environmental factors and plant protection products on the growth and survival of Trichoderma harzianum strain INAT11

Fusarium head blight of wheat (Fusarium graminearum, henceforth Fg) and Pink Ear Rot of maize (Fusarium verticillioides, henceforth Fv) are diseases caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium causing severe yield losses and mycotoxins contamination. In preliminary studies conducted by University of Padova (Italy), Trichoderma harzianum strain INAT11 (deposit number DSM25764) showed promising activity against Fg and Fv. Within the European research project BIOCOMES, it was therefore decided to investigate whether strain INAT11, applied as a seed treatment (i.e. below-ground), could actually control Fg and Fv in aerial plant parts (i.e. above-ground). To evaluate whether seed treatments with strain INAT11 could constitute a feasible plant protection tool, the effects of environmental factors and conventional plant protection products, commonly applied in wheat and maize, on the growth of the antagonist were investigated.