Trichoderma to the rescue: Overcoming bacterial wilt in eggplants with a natural biopesticide

This study investigated the efficacy of Trichoderma asperellum CP (IPM 33) suspension in enhancing the recovery of eggplants affected by bacterial wilt. The suspension, with a concentration of 5.8 × 10 7 CFU mL −1 , was applied to the rhizosphere of eggplants at rates of 0, 20, and 40 mL per plant. Ralstonia solanacearum was introduced at the flowering and fruiting stages using the collar region inoculation method. Inoculation occurred 48 hours before and after Trichoderma application. Disease severity and plant recovery were systematically observed. Among the eggplant varieties tested, BAU Begun-2 exhibited a higher recovery response compared to BAU Begun-1 and BARI Begun-5. Application of Trichoderma prior to pathogen inoculation was more effective in promoting recovery than post-inoculation treatment. The application of 40 mL per plant significantly reduced disease severity in both pre- and post-inoculation treatments. Eggplants were more susceptible to bacterial wilt at the flowering stage than at the fruiting stage. These results suggest that Trichoderma asperellum CP (IPM 33) suspension could be a viable alternative to chemical disease control methods for sustainable and organic eggplant production.