Poster: Biology & Disease Mgmt: Biological Control
185-P
Leaf applications of Clonostachys rosea reduce the populations of Botrytis cinerea and changes the metabolic profiles of strawberry plants
L. Maffia (1), A. Borges (2), W. Araujo (1) (1) Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Brazil; (2) Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Brazil
Clonostachys rosea is an efficient antagonist of Botrytis cinerea. In a research program aiming at the biocontrol of gray mold of strawbwerry, we studied the effect of C. rosea application on both antagonist and B. cinerea leaf populations, as well as on plant metabolism at a commercial strawberry field production. The antagonist was applied at 7, 14, or 28-day intervals, B. cinerea was naturally inoculated, and the colonization of leaves by both fungi was assessed. The antagonist reduced B. cinerea colonization; most significant effects were found with week applications. The reduction in B. cinerea colonization was negatively correlated with the increase in C. rosea’s at all intervals. The metabolic profiles of treated strawberry plants were also most changed with week applications, and there was a significant increase of compounds related to the Krebs cycle, growth promotion and the activation of plant defense system. In conclusion, with week applications of C. rosea, there was a significant reduction on the population of B. cinerea in symptomless tissues and a change in the metabolic profile of strawberry plants. Sponsored by CNPq and FAPEMIG.