Screening of endophytic Trichoderma isolates to improve the growth and health of Eucalyptus pellita seedlings

Abstract

Since its first introduction to the Indonesian forest plantations, eucalyptus has been associated with pests and diseases. As a component of integrated disease management, some biocontrol agents have been developed to manage eucalyptus diseases. Application of endophytic Trichoderma is a critical option in this effort; it has been demonstrated in other pathosystems that the fungus can improve seedling growth and health. This study aims to screen and evaluate the effect of endophytic Trichoderma isolates on the growth and health of E. pellita seedlings. Field isolation resulted in 43 endophytic Trichoderma isolates. The isolates have the antagonistic ability with varied percentages of inhibition of radial growth (PIRG) against Rhizoctonia sp. (4.2–48.6%); Cylindrocladium sp. (4.8–43.5%); and Fusarium sp. (3.3–52.2%). Based on the Analytical Hierarchy Process on the variables of the growth rate of the isolates and their ability to inhibit several fungal pathogens, the best six isolates were selected for further tests. In general, the use of single and/or a consortium of the isolates increases seedling height and reduces the mortality rate of the seedlings. In summary, the tested isolates can improve plant vigor, which would later make the plant more resilient against root and foliar diseases in plantations.