Control of sclerotial pathogens with the mycoparasite Coniothyrium minitans

Abstract

Pressure to reduce the use of chemicals in the environment has led to the search for alternative sustainable methods to control soil-borne pathogens, especially those plant pathogens that formlong-lived resting bodies (sclerotia). Mycoparasites that attack sclerotia have been explored as biocontrol agents of these pathogens and some mycoparasites such as Coniothyrium minitans and Trichoderma species have been the focus of particular study. This paper reviews recent developments in the use, ecology, impact and modes of action of C. minitans especially against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum that may be influential in improving reproducibility of disease control in the future. Some studies of the use of Trichoderma viride to control Allium white rot caused by Sclerotium cepivorum are also discussed. © 2007 Springer.