DIVERSIDAD DE <i>Trichoderma</i> PRESENTE EN SUELOS DE <i>Agave angustifolia</i> HAW EN LOS VALLES CENTRALES DE OAXACA

Plantations of Agave angustifolia Haw in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca are characterized by development under arid and harsh conditions. Despite this, various studies have reported a high biological richness associated with this crop, primarily in plant and animal species; however, there is still scarce information on the diversity of microscopic fungi colonizing these agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the diversity of the genus Trichoderma in the rhizosphere of A. angustifolia and to explore its potential use in mezcal production. For this purpose, soil samples from the rhizosphere were collected at 22 sites within the main production zones in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. Eleven strains with characteristics typical of the genus Trichoderma were isolated and identified morphologically and molecularly. Of these, four were identified at the species level: T. afarasin (1), T. atroviride (1), and T. asperellum (2). This is the first report of these species specifically associated with the agroecosystem of A. angustifolia in this region. Given the recognized capabilities of T. atroviride and T. asperellum as biological control agents for pests and diseases, as well as their potential for biofertilization and plant biostimulation, these findings represent a significant opportunity to improve the productivity and sustainability of agave cultivation for mezcal production.