Trichoderma is a genus of cosmopolitan fungi with more than 375 species described today. Despite its global significance in agriculture, ecosystems, and industry, few studies have focused on studying the diversity and distribution of this genus in Mexico. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to understand the diversity and distribution of Trichoderma species in Mexico, both in ecosystems and agroecosystems. For this systematic review, we used the PRISMA methodology. We reviewed forty-one scientific articles, two book chapters, and the GBIF database. We recorded a total of 1082 isolates, revealing the presence of 57 species of the genus Trichoderma in 29 states of Mexico. We found that species from the genus Trichoderma were reported in 20 agroecosystems and 6 ecosystems. T. harzianum was the predominant species in both agricultural and undisturbed soil. Tabasco and Veracruz were the states with the highest species diversity, with 20 and 14 species reported, respectively. Chiapas had the highest diversity indices (Menhinick had 3.20, Simpson had 0.89, and Margalef had 4.16). The coffee crop was the agroecosystem with the highest diversity, with 12 species reported. In the undisturbed ecosystems, tropical rainforests featured 12 different species. This study highlights the distribution of the genus Trichoderma as a cosmopolitan genus. We argue for the importance of the species that comprise the genus and its applications for social benefits.

The weevil Scyphophorus acupunctatus Gyllenhal causes damage and losses in agave crops and has traditionally been controlled using contact and systemic agrochemicals. Implementing microbial control strategies is proposed as an alternative to mitigate the environmental impact associated with agrochemicals. The objective of this study was to determine the survival of entomopathogenic nematodes in oil emulsions for the control of adult S. acupunctatus. Three species of entomopathogenic nematodes were evaluated: Steinernema carpocapsae, S. glaseri, and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. We used two concentrations (50 ± 5 and 100 ± 10 infectious juvenile nematodes), and oil emulsions derived from Salvia hispanica, Triticum vulgare, and Olea europea with oil purity of 20% and 40%. The effectiveness of these treatments was assessed by determining the mortality rate of S. acupunctatus. The results indicate that the combination of S. glaseri and H. bacteriophora, at concentrations of 50 ± 5 and 100 ± 10 nematodes, respectively, with T. vulgare and O. europea oils, achieved a mortality rate of 85.76% in S. acupunctatus adults at 24 h. At 120 h, a mortality rate of 100% was achieved with specific formulations, such as S. glaseri with 100 ± 10 nematodes + O. europea, and H. bacteriophora with 100 ± 10 nematodes + O. europea. Consequently, we conclude that oil formulations combined with nematodes show potential as an effective and environmentally friendly alternative for the control and management of S. acupunctatus.

Plantations of Agave angustifolia Haw in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca are characterized by development under arid and harsh conditions. Despite this, various studies have reported a high biological richness associated with this crop, primarily in plant and animal species; however, there is still scarce information on the diversity of microscopic fungi colonizing these agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to assess the diversity of the genus Trichoderma in the rhizosphere of A. angustifolia and to explore its potential use in mezcal production. For this purpose, soil samples from the rhizosphere were collected at 22 sites within the main production zones in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca. Eleven strains with characteristics typical of the genus Trichoderma were isolated and identified morphologically and molecularly. Of these, four were identified at the species level: T. afarasin (1), T. atroviride (1), and T. asperellum (2). This is the first report of these species specifically associated with the agroecosystem of A. angustifolia in this region. Given the recognized capabilities of T. atroviride and T. asperellum as biological control agents for pests and diseases, as well as their potential for biofertilization and plant biostimulation, these findings represent a significant opportunity to improve the productivity and sustainability of agave cultivation for mezcal production.

El cultivo del agave es importante para la industria del mezcal en Oaxaca. Sin embargo, la incidencia del picudo del agave (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) afecta la producción de este cultivo, una alternativa para el control de esta plaga puede ser el uso de nematodos entomopatógenos asociados a aceites vegetales. El presente estudio evaluó la supervivencia del nematodo Heterorhabditidae bacteriophora en aceites de Persea americana, Ricinus communis y Citrus x paradisi en concentraciones de 20, 30 y 40% de pureza en condiciones controladas. Además, se determinó en laboratorio y campo la efectividad de H. bacteriophora en emulsión con P. americana en adultos de S. acupunctatus. A las 72 h se encontró una supervivencia de H. bacteriophora con aceite de P. americana de 43,3-30,2%. En laboratorio a las 144 h se encontró que H. bacteriophora 1000 nematodos/insecto + P. americana al 40%, generaron 100% de mortalidad. En campo, el tratamiento H. bacteriophora + P. americana generó una tasa de mortalidad del 17% en adultos de S. acupunctatus . Se concluye que las formulaciones con nematodos entomopatógenos podrían ser una alternativa para controlar al picudo del agave y de esta manera reducir el uso de pesticidas químicos.