Evaluation of substrates and additives to Trichoderma harzianum development by qPCR

Biocontrol strains can activate defense genes and promote plant growth. The aim of this study is to evaluate the development of Trichoderma in substrates with additives by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The T. harzianum, T019 isolated from the Protected Geographical Indication Alubia La Bañeza‐León was tested in peat and vermiculite with and without additives. The development was evaluated by qPCR with the α‐actin gene and a standard curve. Statistical analysis was performed using an analysis of variance and mean completely randomized. The qPCR technique has served to quantify precisely the growth of Trichoderma in the different substrates. T. harzianum develops better in the peat substrates supplemented with cornmeal and with a mixture of cornmeal and bentonite than in any of the vermiculate‐based substrates. T. harzianum development was improved by growing in peat substrates supplemented with cornmeal.