Trichoderma TM17 Strain for Rice Blast and Sheath Blight Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling blast and sheath blight diseases in rice, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, are inadequate, with resistance to commercial fungicides being a concern and the use of chemicals being environmentally unsafe, necessitating the development of alternative biocontrol agents.
Innovation Solution
A new Trichoderma strain, TM17, is identified and used to create a plant-Trichoderma interaction system by colonizing the plant surface, providing broad-spectrum control of these diseases through agricultural compositions that include the strain and a carrier, which can be applied via spraying or other methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemical fungicides are used to control blast and sheath blight diseases, then disease control effectiveness is improved, but resistance development in pathogens and environmental safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces Trichoderma species as a biological intermediary that mediates between the plant and pathogen. These beneficial fungi colonize the rhizosphere and plant surfaces, producing antimicrobial compounds and competing with pathogens for resources, thereby controlling diseases without the harmful effects of chemical fungicides
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical system of fungicide application with a biological system using Trichoderma species. This substitution eliminates chemical residues and resistance development while maintaining disease control through natural biological mechanisms such as mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and competition
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biological control agents are used to minimize chemical use, then environmental safety is improved, but reliability of disease control may deteriorate due to pathogen resistance and environmental variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs Trichoderma species that exhibit multiple disease control mechanisms simultaneously: mycoparasitism (direct attack on pathogens), antibiosis (production of antimicrobial compounds), competition for nutrients and space, and induction of plant systemic resistance. This multi-functionality ensures reliable disease control across varying environmental conditions and against different pathogens
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes various parameters of Trichoderma applications including strain selection, formulation types, application timing, and dosage to ensure consistent performance. By adjusting these parameters, the reliability of biological control is enhanced while maintaining environmental safety
3Reliability
If integrated disease management strategies are adopted, then long-term disease control is improved, but complexity of management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes Trichoderma species that can self-propagate and persist in the rhizosphere and on plant surfaces throughout the growing season. Once applied, these beneficial fungi establish themselves and continue providing disease control without requiring frequent reapplications, thereby simplifying management while ensuring long-term protection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
TM17 effectively suppresses the growth of Magnaporthe oryzae and Rhizoctonia solani, offering a safe and reliable alternative to chemical pesticides by colonizing the plant surface and reducing disease incidence, as demonstrated through in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Implementation Method 1
Biological control is the reduction of the amount of inoculum or disease-producing activity of a pathogen accomplished by or through one or more organism other than man
Implementation Method 2
microbial antagonists or competitors that interfere with the survival or disease-producing activities of a pathogen population
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a Trichoderma strain designated as TM17 and deposited under accession number NRRL 67984. The Trichoderma strain TM17 and a carrier may be used to make agricultural compositions. Plants comprising the Trichoderma strain TM17 or the agricultural compositions provided herein are also contemplated. Methods for inhibiting the growth of a microorganism on a plant are also provided and may include contacting the plant with an effective amount of the Trichoderma strain TM17 or agricultural compositions including the Trichoderma strain TM17 to inhibit the growth of the microorganism on the plant.