In vitro characterization bioassays of the nematophagous fungus Purpureocillium lilacinum: Evaluation on growth, extracellular enzymes, mycotoxins and survival in the surrounding agroecosystem of tomato.

The effects of water stress and temperature on in vitro growth and enzymatic activity of Purpureocillium lilacinum (Sordariomycetes, Hypocreales, Ophiocordycipitaceae) isolates with demonstrated capacity to control Nacobbus aberrans (Secernentea, Tylenchida, Pratylenchidae) were evaluated in this study. Also, saprophytic and endophytic colonization in tomato plants were determined. P. lilacinum was able to grow under the evaluated levels of osmotic and matric stress, but the increase in water stress caused reductions in radial growth rates. Moreover, the fungal isolates produced chitinases, proteases, and leucinostatins under inductive conditions. The nematophagous fungi were able to develop saprophytically (104 CFU g-1 of soil). Meanwhile, only P. lilacinum SR38 demonstrated endophytic capacity. The results suggest that P. lilacinum can be effectively applied as biocontrol agents of phytoparasitic nematodes in tomatoes under variable agroecological conditions.