Effect of temperature on antagonistic and biocontrol potential of shape Trichoderma sp. on Sclerotium rolfsii

Sclerotium rolfsii is a destructive soil-borne and postharvest plant pathogen. Use of the antagonistic fungus Trichoderma sp. has been earlier reported by us to successfully control this pathogen under postharvest conditions. In the present paper we report on the effects of temperature on the growth and biocontrol potential of Trichoderma sp. on S. rolfsii. Experimental results indicated that S. rolfsii and Trichoderma sp. have different temperature optima for growth: 30–35 °C for the pathogen and 25–30 °C for the antagonist. In dual culture, Trichoderma overgrew S. rolfsii at 25 °C and 30 °C, but at 35 °C and 37 °C, S. rolfsii overgrew the colony of Trichoderma. Trichoderma produced higher concentration of fungitoxic metabolites in broth culture at higher temperatures. In bioassays using ginger slices and whole rhizomes, it has been demonstrated that Trichoderma is not very effective in suppressing S. rolfsii at temperatures above 30 °C. In light of these results, possible mechanisms of biocontrol of S. rolfsii as a postharvest pathogen has been discussed. Storage temperature has been suggested as a critical factor in biocontrol of S. rolfsii.