Resumen
- The effect of the inoculation of unrooted carnation cuttings and soil with isolates of Trichoderma spp. selected by their strong antagonism and possible parasitism on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, were evaluated as a tool to be considered in the integrated management of the wilt disease of carnation. In this work it was observed again the close relationship that exists between F. oxysporum f. sp. dianthi and the nematode Heterodera trifolii. This relationship was so close, that developed abundant mycelium around the eggs and even chlamydospores of the fungus inside the cyst of the nematode, and every time a biological control agent was tested against the cyst, it was rejected due to the growth of Fusarium from it. To succeed in the biological control program of F. oxysporum f. sp. dianthi, with the selected isolates of Trichoderma spp., it was necessary to implement a program for the adequate control of the nematode. With the control of the nematode and the incorporation of the most promising isolates of Trichoderma spp., it has been possible to grow susceptible varieties of spray carnations in areas heavily infested with the pathogen without the need of chemical disinfestation of the soil. Whenever the practice of either steam treatment or chemical disinfestation is implemented, it is advisable the incorporation, as soon as possible, of an antagonist of F. oxysporum to prevent the rapid reinfestation of the soil with the pathogen.