TRICHODERMA SP. AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF SOIL FUNGI: IN VITRO ANTAGONIST ACTIVITY NATIVE ISOLATES

The in vitro effect of four isolates of Trichoderma sp. on the mycelial growth of fungi isolated from crops from different localities of the municipality of San Carlos, Cojedes, was evaluated. The research was of an explanatory type, with a completely randomized experimental field design, with 20 treatments and 10 replicates. Pathogenic and antagonistic fungi were obtained from soil samples collected in four localities, processed by the serial dilution technique, and subsequently characterized at macroscopic and microscopic levels. The antagonistic activity of the Trichoderma isolates was evaluated by dual culture tests against Fusarium sp., Sclerotium rolfsii and Cylindrocladium sp., determining the variables mycelial growth inhibition and percentage reduction of sclerotia. Statistically there were significant differences (P > 0.05) in the growth of pathogens when confronted with Trichoderma isolates. Isolates 3 and 4 were the most promising, with isolate 4 standing out for its greater inhibitory effect, while isolates 1 and 2 showed low control potential,