Trichoderma harzianum in Biocontrol of Maize Fungal Diseases and Relevant Mycotoxins: From the Laboratory to the Field.

Background: Maize, one of the world's most important food and feed crops, is often threatened by fungal infections that not only reduce yields but also contaminate grains with harmful mycotoxins. Methods: This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma harzianum K179 as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for protecting maize from two major pathogens, Fusarium graminearum and Aspergillus flavus. T. harzianum K179 was cultivated in a lab-scale bioreactor, and its antifungal activity was assessed through in vitro inhibition assays and two-year field trials. During the field trial, maize ear disease severity, yield, and mycotoxin levels in maize samples were monitored to assess the efficacy of the produced Trichoderma biopreparation. Results: In laboratory tests, T. harzianum K179 significantly inhibited both target pathogens. Field trials demonstrated that seed treatments with the Trichoderma bioagent reduced ear rot severity and increased grain yield compared to untreated and chemically treated controls. Notably, maize samples from T. harzianum-treated plots contained lower concentrations of key mycotoxins, including fumonisins and aflatoxins. Conclusions: These findings highlight the usefulness of T. harzianum K179 in integrated pest management strategies, offering a sustainable solution that enhances crop safety and productivity while mitigating the environmental risks associated with chemical fungicides.