Possibilities of application of Trichoderma species in fungal disease control of olive (Olea europaea L.)

Abstract

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is an important crop grown in the Mediterranean part of the Republic of Croatia. Recently, fungal diseases of olives are becoming an increasing challenge for producers. As the most common fungal disease control, chemical products are applied. However, chemical products have a very harmful impact on the environment and human and animal health and not only suppress pathogens but also do harm to beneficial organisms, which leads to ecological imbalances. Therefore, producers are increasingly turning to alternative methods of protection and the application of biological plant protection products. Trichoderma species have been proven to suppress a large number of phytopathogenic fungi and show potential against fungal pathogens of olives.

Keywords

• biological control
• olive
• trichoderma spp.