The rapidly growing global population poses a major challenge for agriculture to ensure sufficient food production while simultaneously emphasizing the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches in food production. One promising method is biological control of plant pathogens, which relies on the use of antagonistic microorganisms. In this master’s thesis, we investigated the interactions among four beneficial organisms: fungi Trichoderma asperellum T34, Pythium oligandrum M1 and Clonostachys rosea (Gliocladium catenulatum J1446) and bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713Their growth was analyzed in dual cultures at two temperatures (15°C and 25°C) and with two inoculation timings (simultaneous inoculation and a three-day delay). The results revealed that both temperature and inoculation timing had a significant influence on microbial interactions. Under simultaneous inoculation, growth intensity varied depending on the partner organism, with notable differences between 15°C and 25°C. In delayed inoculation experiments, the microorganisms inoculated first had a competitive advantage, although the extent of this advantage varied among species. Across all treatments, the most consistent observation was enhanced growth at the higher temperature (25°C). We conclude that interactions among antagonistic microorganisms are not universal but are strongly shaped by environmental conditions and inoculation dynamics. Understanding these factors is crucial for the effective implementation of biological control in agricultural practice. The findings provide valuable insights into the competitive behavior of antagonists and contribute to the development of sustainable plant protection strategies.
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