title: Trichoderma saturnisporum, a new biological control agent.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Biocontrol agents (BCAs) could be a viable alternative to chemicals in the management of fungal crop diseases. Screening for potential biocontrol and plant growth promoter isolates from a soil in Cádiz (Spain) was conducted. Several isolates showed antagonism in in vitro tests to several plant pathogens.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two isolates of Trichoderma saturnisporum (Ascomycetes, Hypocreales) were identified by sequencing of the rDNA region. One isolate was selected for further in vivo plant growth promotion and biological control assays. Results indicate that substrate application of T. saturnisporum improved plant quality and showed biological control activity against Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora parasitica (Peronosporales, Peronosporaceae).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There are a few references to T. saturnisporum isolated from different media but not its ability to promote plant growth or biocontrol. This is the first report of T. saturnisporum as a seedling growth promoter and as biological control agent.
authors.affiliation: Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Diánez Martínez
authors.affiliation: Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
authors.forename: Mila
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.affiliation: Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Carretero
authors.affiliation: Campus de Excelencia Internacional Agroalimentario, Universidad de Almería, 04120, Almería, Spain.
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Marín
mesh_terms: D000898:Antibiosis; D002212:Capsicum / Q000382:microbiology*; D005658:Fungi / Q000502:physiology; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D010935:Plant Diseases / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011775:Pythium / Q000502:physiology; D014242:Trichoderma / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: Phytophthora capsici; Phytophthora parasitica; Trichoderma saturnisporum; biocontrol; growth promotion