Biological Control of Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) in Three Ecotypes of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) under Nursery Conditions in the Chanchamayo Province

Abstract

Anthracnose in soursop (Annona muricata L.) is caused by the fungus of the genus Colletotrichum spp. This disease causes significant losses both in nursery and definitive field, its control is currently carried out with chemicals, being toxic to human health and the environment. Using ecotypes that present low severity and incidence of this disease and the use of antagonists that better control the development of Colletotrichum spp, are presented as part of a solution for the control of said disease. This experiment was based on the comparison of the results of three ecotypes of Annoma muricata L. with four levels of the antagonist and considering an absolute control treatment. According to the statistical analysis, it reports that the white ecotype presents little incidence and severity to Colletotrichum spp. And the antagonist Trichoderma harzianum shows greater effectiveness in controlling Colletotrichum spp. Similarly, the combination (T. harzianum x yellow ecotype) and (T. harzianum x black ecotype) showed a lower incidence and severity of this disease. These results demonstrate improved control of Colletotrichum spp. It can be stated that these treatments positively interfere with crop physiology, since the plants presented greater vigor within this treatment.