Enhancing Biocontrol Potential: Development and Efficacy Assessment of a Liquid Formulation of Trichoderma Asperellum MSU007 against Sclerotium Rrolfsii

Global agricultural systems face significant challenges due to the devastating impact of Sclerotium rolfsii, a plant pathogen responsible for substantial crop yield losses. Considering this problem, this study aims to enhance biocontrol potential against S. rolfsii by developing and evaluating a liquid formulation of Trichoderma asperellum MSU007. We prepared 4 distinct liquid formulations of T. asperellum MSU007, incorporating various protectants: 10 % molasses, 5 % molasses, 5 % lactose and 5 % trehalose. After 45 days at 28 ± 2 °C, T. asperellum MSU007 spore counts remained consistent at 107 spores/mL across all formulations. All formulations resulted in no growth and effectively suppressed S. rolfsii mycelium growth at concentration of 4, 5 and 6 mL/L. Transferring inhibited mycelium to fresh Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) showed growth resembling T. asperellum MSU007 within 48 h. Terrachor Super-X fungicide fully suppressed growth. Notably, the 5 % trehalose formulation continued inhibiting sclerotia germination even after 45-day storage. This study highlights T. asperellum MSU007 formulations, particularly those based on trehalose as promising agents for disease control and prolonged storage stability. Future mechanistic investigations will be crucial to comprehensive understanding and application. HIGHLIGHTS Liquid formulations of Trichoderma asperellum MSU007 with different protectants were developed for enhanced biocontrol against Sclerotium rolfsii. All formulations effectively suppressed S. rolfsii mycelium growth at various application rates. The 5 % trehalose-based formulation displayed prolonged inhibition of sclerotia germination even after 45-day storage. These findings suggest the potential of T. asperellum MSU007 formulations, particularly trehalose-based, for disease control and extended storage stability, warranting further mechanistic investigation. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT