Biological treatment of cupuaçu seeds for the control of phytopathogens and promotion of germination

Abstract

Biological control is considered an alternative method that can minimize the application of
chemicals and ensure profitability for the farmer. The effect of Trichoderma spp. on the germination
and sanity of cupuaçu seeds. The seeds were immersed in suspensions, in the concentration
of 1.0 x 107 conidia.mL-1, of the isolates of Trichoderma asperellum T09, T12 and T52,
for 24 hours. The control treatment consisted of immersion only in sterile water for the same
period. The trial was in DIC, with four replicates. Germination, germination speed index (IVG),
fungal incidence and root length were evaluated. The T12 and T52 isolates increased the size
of the radicle relative to the control. Other fungi were observed only in untreated seeds. The
isolates of T. asperellum evaluated did not influence the germination of cupuaçu seeds, but
showed positive effects on the incidence of fungi and radicle.