STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF FOUR ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST Botrytis cinerea

The endophytic fungus Sporormiella isomera strain HTF58 shows potential as a biological control agent against the tomato pathogen Botrytis cinerea. The antagonistic capacity of HTF58 against B. cinerea was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo tripartite bioassays. Establishing sufficient endophyte biomass before pathogen introduction resulted in the strongest antagonistic effect, significantly reducing symptoms and improving seedling growth. However, in vivo trials indicated that simultaneous inoculation of HTF58 and B. cinerea did not confer effective protection but did promote young plants roots growth (fresh weight: HTF58 = 22 ± 10.4 g vs. negative control = 7.6 ± 6.7 g; dry weight: HTF58 = 5 ± 2.45 g vs. negative control = 1.8 ± 1.79 g, p<0.05). Colony morphology and expansion of the endophytic S. isomera were influenced by the type of carbon and nitrogen nutrient sources provided. Organic nitrogen sources like D-alanine promoted regular lobular growth (36% increase compared to the minimal synthetic medium, p<0.05) and enhanced pigment production. S. isomera HTF58 exhibits plant growth-promoting traits, with pre-inoculation being a key factor for successful pathogen suppression.