Effect of Trichoderma spp. on the Propagation of Maytenus ilicifolia Mart. ex Reissek

Abstract

The interest in using biotechnology tools that contribute to reducing the need for chemical inputs in agroforestry production has increased in recent years, aiming at higher quality for the environment and for society. This interest is also applied to medicine species consumed in natura. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma spp. on germination and initial growth of Maytenus ilicifolia seedlings. Laboratory and greenhouse tests were carried out using Trichoderma spp. isolates obtained from three different strains identified as Trichoderma asperelloides (T1 & T2 strains) and Trichoderma virens (T10 strain). In laboratory, M. ilicifolia seeds without aryl were inoculated in solutions containing fungal spores and distributed in substrate paper in four replicates of 25 seeds/treatment. The first germination count, accumulated germination, percentages of accumulated dead seeds and firm seeds were evaluated at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of incubation. The same isolates were used to evaluate the effect on the initial growth of seedling in a greenhouse through a completely randomized design with 40 replicates, considering a seedling as each replicate. Trichoderma spp. isolates were inoculated on the substrate used as the basis for seeding. Seeds of M. ilicifolia were used from the same batch of the laboratory test, but without removing the aryl. The variables of total height, diameter at root collar and number of leaves were evaluated at 90, 120, 150 and 180 days after seeding. A positive effect of Trichoderma inoculation on seed germination and vigor was observed in the laboratory, with emphasis on the T2 isolate. Growth promoting effects on the M. ilicifolia seedlings were not observed in greenhouse. We suggest to better investigate the interaction between the tested Trichoderma isolates and M. ilicifolia seeds in the presence of aryl.