Agroecological functions of Trichoderma harzianum , an endophytic fungus of the avocado root: its role in plant growth, defense and multitrophic interactions

AudienciaPúblico en generales_ES
CoberturaMéxicoes_ES
Fecha de ingreso2026-09-15T00:30:22Z
Fecha de publicación2026-01-01
ResumenAbstract BACKGROUND Trichoderma is a key rhizosphere fungus, yet its ecological role in avocado ( Persea americana ) physiology and multitrophic interactions remains largely unexplored. This study evaluates the impact of Trichoderma harzianum TH1 on plant growth, defense mechanisms and natural enemy recruitment. RESULTS T. harzianum TH1 was isolated from avocado roots and rhizosphere at a density of 3.5 × 10 4  CFU/g. Inoculation significantly promoted growth, increasing leaf formation by 23% and showing a 2‐fold increase in leaf bud production. Furthermore, TH1 conferred resistance against the avocado mite Oligonychus perseae and the whitefly Tetraleurodes perseae , reducing whitefly populations >85%. This resistance was linked to a 27% increase in chlorophyll production and a 4‐fold rise in salicylic acid (SA) levels, a key metabolite for systemic defense against sap‐sucking herbivorous insects. Chemical analyses of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) revealed the emission of ( Z )‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, β‐ocimene, and β‐copaene. These semiochemicals likely mediated the 2‐fold increase in predatory mites ( Euseius hibisci ) observed in TH1‐treated plants. Additionally, the presence of parasitoid wasps ( Encarsia sp. ) was recorded within the recruited natural enemy complex on avocado leaves. CONCLUSION This study elucidates the biochemical and biotic factors involved in the avocado‐TH1‐arthropod interaction. Our results support the use of T. harzianum as an effective bioinoculant to enhance plant growth and suppress pests, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic agrochemicals. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.es_ES
Doihttps://doi.org/10.1002/ps.71192es_ES
URIhttps://riuat.uat.edu.mx/handle/123456789/2333
Idiomaeses_ES
EditorialWileyes_ES
RelaciónPest Management Sciencees_ES
URL relacionadohttps://doi.org/10.1002/ps.71192es_ES
DerechosAcceso abierto (Metadatos de producción científica)es_ES
Licenciahttp://purl.org/coar/access_right/c_abf2es_ES
FuentePest Management Science
TítuloAgroecological functions of Trichoderma harzianum , an endophytic fungus of the avocado root: its role in plant growth, defense and multitrophic interactionses_ES
TipoArtículoes_ES
ArbitradoHa sido Arbitradoes_ES
AutorEsquivel‐Ayala, Blanca Alicia
AutorVargas‐Sandoval, Margarita
AutorChaires‐Grijalva, Martha Patricia
AutorMendoza‐Churape, Juan
AutorChassin‐Noria, Omar
AutorContreras‐Cornejo, Hexon Angel
AutorEsquivel‐Ayala, Blanca Aliciaes_ES
AutorVargas‐Sandoval, Margaritaes_ES
AutorChaires‐Grijalva, Martha Patriciaes_ES
AutorMendoza‐Churape, Juanes_ES
AutorChassin‐Noria, Omares_ES
AutorContreras‐Cornejo, Hexon Angeles_ES
InstituciónUniversidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas
InstituciónUniversidad Autónoma de Tamaulipases_ES
URL relacionadahttps://doi.org/10.1002/ps.71192
Tipo de artículoIndexado
Tipo de artículoIndexadoes_ES

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