Harnessing Trichoderma spp.: A Promising Approach to Control Apple Scab Disease

Apple scab, caused by the pathogenic fungus <i>Venturia inaequalis</i>, can result in significant economic losses. The frequent use of fungicidal products has led to the emergence of isolates resistant to commonly used active substances. Therefore, biological control offers a sustainable alternative for managing apple scab. In this study, eight <i>Trichoderma</i> isolates were evaluated against five different isolates of <i>V. inaequalis</i> isolated from the Fes-Meknes region. The biocontrol potential of these <i>Trichoderma</i> isolates had previously been demonstrated against other pathogens. The results indicated that the inhibition rate of mycelial growth of <i>V. inaequalis</i> obtained with <i>Trichoderma</i> spp. isolates ranged from 50% to 81%, with significant differences observed among the pathogenic isolates after 5 and 12 days of incubation. In addition, the in vitro tests with <i>Trichoderma</i> cell-free filtrates showed inhibition rates ranging from 2% to 79%, while inhibition rates ranged from 5% to 78% for volatile compound tests. Interestingly, the inhibition of spore germination and elongation was approximately 40-50%, suggesting the involvement of antifungal metabolites in their biocontrol activities. The in vivo bioassay on detached apple leaves confirmed the biocontrol potential of these <i>Trichoderma</i> isolates and demonstrated their ability to preventively control apple scab disease. However, their efficacies were still lower than those of the fungicidal product difenoconazole. These findings could contribute to the development of an effective biofungicide based on these <i>Trichoderma</i> isolates for reliable and efficient apple scab control.