Potential of Trichosporon asahii against Alternaria sp. and mechanisms of actions

ABSTRACT Alternaria sp. is a fungus that causes rot in several crops, causing damage to the agricultural production chain. Biological control agents constitute an alternative to reduce the use of pesticides in the crops, a social demand for modern agriculture. The aim of the present study is to demonstrate the antagonistic effect of the yeast Trichosporon asahii (3S44) on the mycelial development of Alternaria sp. and some in vitro mechanisms of action. Trichosporon asahii showed antagonistic activity towards Alternaria sp., presenting mycelial inhibition (57.47%). The assays indicated production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), competition for nutrients, biofilm formation, production of killer toxins and β-1,3-glucanase as mechanisms of action of T. asahii. Collectively, our results showed the potential of T. asahii to control the mycelial development of Alternaria sp. and some mechanisms of action of this yeast for future biotechnological studies.