Enzymatic Strategies for Biocontrolling Phytopathogenic Fungi Using Trichoderma Koningiopsis LBM116

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides has driven the development of microbial-based biocontrol strategies. In this study, the native strain Trichoderma koningiopsis LBM116 (Misiones, Argentina) was optimised for the production of mycolytic enzymes (chitinases, β-1,3-glucanases, and proteases) using factorial and response surface experimental designs. Enzyme secretion was increased by more than 250% compared to initial conditions by selecting specific carbon and nitrogen sources and adjusting inoculum and pH parameters. The optimised enzyme formulation improved lettuce seed germination to 86.66% in the presence of the phytopathogen Fusarium sp., under controlled conditions. In seedling trials, it also reduced disease severity and improved growth parameters. These results confirm the dual effect of the enzyme formulation, acting as a biocontrol agent and plant growth promoter. This work highlights the potential of enzyme formulations derived from T. koningiopsis LBM116 as an effective, low-cost, and sustainable alternative for managing phytopathogens in agriculture.