IN VITRO INTERACTION BETWEEN TRICHODERMA HARZIANUM RIFAI LBMA 34 AND METARHIZIUM ANISOPLIAE LBMA 11

Abstract

Introduction:
Agriculture faces challenges such as excessive pesticide use and pest resistance, making it necessary to employ innovative alternatives such as biological control agents to ensure its sustainability and productivity.
Objective:
To evaluate the in vitro behavior of the growth of the fungus Trichoderma harzianum LBMa 34 against Metarhizium anisopliae LBMa 11.
Materials and Methods:
The distance at which the fungi faced each other was measured, using distances of 2, 4, and 6 cm on an 8.5 cm plate. Radial growth between them and separately was measured, and the quality parameters corresponding to concentration, viability, and purity were determined.
Results and Discussion:
Trichoderma harzianum LBMa 34 grows faster than Metarhizium anisopliae LBMa 11 by 1.8 mm/day. Both maintain similar quality parameters, and the greater distance between them (6 cm) favors the development and expansion of M. anisopliae by reducing competition.
Conclusions:
Trichoderma harzianum LBMa 34 exhibits faster growth than Metarhizium anisopliae LBMa 11, although the latter is significantly favored by greater spatial separation (6 cm vs 2 cm), which reduces competition and allows for rapid establishment.