SCAR-based real time PCR to identify a biocontrol strain (T1) of Trichoderma atroviride and study its population dynamics in soils

Strains of Trichoderma spp. are known for their antagonistic properties against plant pathogens, some are already on the market, others are under development. In order to launch a strain on the market its perfect identification at the species and strain levels is needed. The aim of this study is to (i) design a SCAR marker for specific identification of strain T1 of Trichoderma atroviride and (ii) monitor population dynamics of this strain in soil by real time PCR. A primer pair targeting a 141-bp fragment enabled specific detection of this strain without cross detection of autochthonous populations of Trichoderma in several field soils. In two soils, population dynamics assessed by real time PCR and the soil plate technique gave similar results. The molecular tools developed in this study satisfy the requirement for specific identification of the biocontrol strain and for detection and quantification of T. atroviride T1 population in complex environments. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.