Trichoderma spp. as Inducers of Salt Stress Tolerance and Promoters of Early Growth in Capsicum annuum L. Seedlings
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The cultivation of Capsicum annuum L. (pepper) is of great agricultural and nutritional importance; however, its productivity is limited by salt stress, an abiotic factor that significantly affects plant development and vigor. This study evaluates the response of pepper seedlings inoculated with Trichoderma gamsii, Trichoderma asperellum, and Trichoderma atroviride under saline conditions, analyzing both the in vitro performance of the strains and their effects on plant growth. Variables such as mycelial growth, plant height, number of leaves, and root biomass were assessed. The results indicated that T. asperellum reached a radial growth of 87.88 mm on PDA medium with 1000 mg/L of NaCl and maintained 86.11 mm even at 3000 mg/L, demonstrating high tolerance. In seedlings evaluated 15 days after the first application, this strain at a concentration of 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU/mL promoted an average height of 28.64 cm, a basal stem diameter of 18.58 mm, and a root biomass of 3.10 g, all significantly higher than the control. The implementation of this strain in seedling production not only enhances crop resilience to salt stress but also represents a sustainable alternative to chemical inputs, contributing to more efficient and environmentally responsible agricultural practices.
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