Endophytic Trichoderma species associated with Theobroma cacao L.: identification and biocontrol potential against Moniliophthora roreri and Fusarium sp.

Santillan-Culquimboz H.W.; Aguilar-Rafael V.; Díaz-Valderrama J.R.; Lozano-Isla F.; Reyna-Rivera E.R.; Leiva-Espinoza S.T. · Frontiers in Microbiology (2026) · DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1811538

Resumen

Introduction – Peru, recognized as part of the center of origin of cacao, harbors multiple varieties highly valued for their unique characteristics and sensory profile. However, phytosanitary constraints threaten its sustainability, genetic diversity, and productivity. Methods – This study aimed to identify endophytic Trichoderma strains with biocontrol potential against Moniliophthora roreri and Fusarium sp. A multilocus analysis (ITS, tef1-α, and rpb2) was performed, complemented by morphological characterization. In vitro antagonistic capacity was evaluated through antibiosis, mycoparasitism, and antagonism assays. Results – Phylogenetic and morphological analyses allowed the identification of Trichoderma afroharzianum, T. parareesei, T. sexdentis, T. strigosum, T. reesei, and T. erinaceum. Additionally, several isolates could not be assigned to known taxa, suggesting the presence of potential new species. This study constitutes the first report of T. sexdentis and T. strigosum as endophytes associated with cacao. Antagonism assays, based on antibiosis and mycoparasitism mechanisms, demonstrated that the strains exhibit high antagonistic potential against M. roreri (approximately 80%) and Fusarium sp. (approximately 70%). Discussion – These findings underscore the limited characterization of endophytic fungal communities in Peruvian cacao systems and highlight the ecological and biotechnological relevance of Trichoderma as promising biocontrol agents for the sustainable management of cacao pathogens. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza de Amazonas