Fernando Diánez Martínez

Trichoderma saturnisporum, a new biological control agent

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). CONCLUSION 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.

Evaluation of a novel bumble bee pollination station under summer greenhouse conditions

Summary In several world regions, greenhouse horticultural production is characterized by the use of simple low cost structures with limited climate control. Conditions in these are especially hard for bumble bee colonies during the summer months. Several factors can limit bumble bee activity and thus fruit set, including high temperatures, high radiation and poor quality and low volumes of pollen. In 2009 we carried out experiments to determine the influence of a commercial bumble bee “pollination station” on hive climate parameters and hive performance in tomato greenhouses under extreme summer environmental conditions. We found that air temperature and humidity fluctuation during the day was lower for the hives in the pollination station compared to control hives. Final numbers of adult bees and cocoons, and daily colony traffic were significantly higher (54%, 43% and 50.5% respectively) in the pollination stations than in control hives. This is the first report of a pollination station for bumble bees.