Mycoparasitic antagonism of a Trichoderma harzianum strain isolated from banana plants in Oaxaca, Mexico

Bananas are important crops in developing countries with tropical climate. In Mexico, the banana production has increased, and it must be guaranteed. The Panama disease, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense threatens the current banana production, for what is necessary to implement methods to protect this crop. Fungi from genus Trichoderma are natural residents of the rhizosphere. This genus comprises mycoparasite species used to control diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi, and also benefit plant development. In this report, we present data of the identification and characterization of the novel strain Trichoderma harzianum M110 that displays antagonism and biocontrol potential in laboratory conditions. Exploration of the rhizosphere and the endophytic microbial communities might help to identify microbes adapted to banana plants that can be incorporated in organic biological control formulations that ensure production of Fusarium-free plants and healthy fruits with export quality.