Evaluation of the effect of Equisetum giganteumL. and Trichoderma on the growth and development of Botrytis cinerea Whetzel and Colletotrichum falcatum Went

Abstract

The concern for environmental care and the health of food producers and consumers has generated a growing interest in the use of natural products for the management of diseases that affect different crops. One of these natural products (bio-inputs) is obtained from Equisetum giganteum "horsetail", whose use is indicated for the management of pests and also of diseases of fungal etiology that affect different crops. In this context, the present work was carried out with the objectives of evaluating in vitro the effectiveness of a preparation (decoction) based on E. giganteum on the growth and development of Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Colletotrichum falcatum (antracnose) pathogens of the strawberry cultivation; and, compare the level of effectiveness of E. giganteum with that of Trichoderma. The following were used: pure cultures of B. cinerea and C. falcatum isolated from symptomatic strawberry plants; a native Trichoderma isolate; and a decoction of E. giganteum. The technique used to measure the effectiveness (antagonism) consisted of individual cultures of the pathogens and dual cultures with the decoction and Trichoderma. A decrease in the diameter of colonies of C. falcatum was observed in the tests with E. giganteum, and of C. falcatum and B. cinerea in the tests with Trichoderma. The average values of colony diameter decrease were statistically significant (p<.01) and the highest percentages (56-58%) were observed with the use of Trichoderma. Contrary to expectations, the decoction slightly stimulated the growth of the colonies. colonies of B. cinerea.