Application Of Trichoderma Research Articles

Combined application of Trichoderma harzianum SH2303 and difenoconazole-propiconazolein controlling Southern corn leaf blight disease caused by Cochliobolus heterostrophus in maize

Southern corn leaf blight (SCLB) disease caused by Cochliobolus heterostrophus is one of the major threats to corn production worldwide. The synergistic application of low toxic chemical fungicide and biocontrol agents could improve biocontrol stability and efficiency against plant diseases, which ultimately reduce use of chemical fungicide. Trichoderma spp., well-known biocontrol fungi have been used to control some foliar diseases. However, few works have been reported on synergistic application of chemical fungicide and Trichoderma against foliar diseases. This study was aimed to investigate the control effect on the synergistic application of Trichoderma harzianum SH2303 and difenoconazole-propiconazole (DP) against SCLB. Results showed that the synergistic application of DP and SH2303 reduced the leaf spot area compared to the control. The efficacy of synergistic application of DP+SH2303 against SCLB could last for 15–20 d in pot trial under the greenhouse condition. Under the natural field condition, maize treated with DP+DP and DP+SH2303 showed 60% control, which was higher than that of SH2303+DP (45%) and SH2303+SH2303 (35%). All these treatments induced the synthesis of defense-related enzymes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and the defence-related gene expression of SA pathway (PR1). Taken together the in-vitro leaf test and field trial, the control of SCLB by synergistic application of DP+SH2303 was similar to that of DP+DP. Among synergistic application, the sequential application of DP+SH2303 showed better control than the sequential application of SH2303+DP. It was concluded that the synergistic application of chemical fungicide (DP) and biocontrol agent (T. harzianum SH2303) could be used to reduce the chemical fungicide and to reduce the SCLB diseases in maize, which provided alternative approach to realize an eco-friendly controlling of the foliar disease.

Effect of Nano Technology in Combination with Soil Solarization to Control Panama Disease of Banana in Jordan Valley

Soil solarization was applied for a field which was planted with infected banana seedlings. Spreading transparent plastic sheets of 80µ thickness was done from August, 1 until October 12, 2017 at the University Farm in Jordan Valley. Soil solarization was effective in elimination of all phytopathogenic propagules at 30 cm depth. Then clear plastic sheets were removed and the solarized land was planted with healthy banana seedlings cultivar Grand Naine. Banana plantlets were chemically treated as soil drench with Nanoparticle solution of 200 and 400 ppm of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs), two fungicides, Revanol and Tachigaren, Sodium Hypochlorite in addition of irrigation of one treatment with treated wastewater. Biological control included three treatments; Endomycorrhiza, Trichoderma as a commercial product (BioHealth) and plant growth promoting rhizo-bacteria. Fresh chicken and sheep manure was added to two treatments. Twelve treatments were distributed randomly in randomized complete block design. Endomycorrhizal inoculation with Glomus mosseae, 200 ppm of AgNPs, Revanol and Tachigaren treatments of banana seedlings were the most effective in completely protecting banana plants from Fusarium wilt during the whole experimental period. Several applications of Trichoderma, wastewater and 400 ppm of AgNPs were effective in maintaining some infected banana seedlings nine months after planting very healthy. Sheep and chicken manure treatments resulted with 60 and 40% disease incidence with Fusarium wilt respectively and 20% of disease incidence in Hypex, PGPR and control treatments. Wastewater, Nanoparticles 200 ppm and endomycorhizal treatments gave the highest ratio of sword sucker development. We recommend soil solarization and use of integrated program to control Panama disease of banana in Jordan.

Impact of Trichoderma Enhanced Composting Technology in Improving Soil Productivity

Objectives: The study was conducted to determine (i) suitable waste, its quantity and dose of Trichoderma harzianum suspension and (ii) the impact of tricho-compost application on soil productivity.
 Materials and Methods: Soil properties were tested before and after application of Trichoderma enhanced composting technology at five different districts of North-West Bangladesh. RCBD was used in the experiment where six biodegradable substratum were used and mixed with Trichoderma suspension in each pit. These six substratums were mixed with five doses of Trichoderma suspension i.e., 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ml per 100 kg substratum with three replications and therefore 90 pits were prepared to conduct the experiment. Nutrient content like N, P, K, B, S, Zn, soil pH and organic carbon were analysed in the laboratory.
 Results and Discussion: Among the composting materials potato plant, water hyacinth, cowdung and household waste produced better compost than rice stubble and bio-slurry. Trichoderma suspension dose on 100 kg substratum 750 and 1000 ml showed better efficacy than other doses in terms of decomposition time, quantity of produced composed and nutrient value. The status of nutrient in soil were compared before and after interventions of Trichoderma suspension by means of using paired t-test and found that soil pH, K, S, Zn, N and B were increased significantly, where as organic carbon slightly increased but not significant changed and P decreased significantly.
 Conclusion: There should be ample scope to be created tricho-compost everywhere for soil improvement for better crop production towards food security and improved livelihoods.

Trichoderma spp. from Misiones, Argentina: effective fungi to promote plant growth of the regional crop Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil

ABSTRACTIlex paraguariensis St. Hil (yerba mate) is an important crop in the north of Argentina, mainly in Misiones province. The application of Trichoderma as a biocontroller and biofertilizer can replace or reduce the use of agrochemicals, decreasing the negative ecological impact. In this research, we evaluated in vitro and in vivo antagonistic and plant growth promoting (PGP) properties of Trichoderma species isolated from different regions of Misiones province. Dual culture assays of Trichoderma against phytopathogenic fungi associated with yerba mate showed that T. stilbohypoxyli LBM 120 was the most effective antagonist, inhibiting in more than 75% all phytopathogen growth. Trichoderma atroviride LBM 112 and T. stilbohypoxyli LBM 120 were positive on endoglucanase, protease, chitinase, siderophore production, and phosphate solubilisation showed the best biological control agents and PGP properties. The PGP properties of Trichoderma spp. evaluated in vivo on yerba mate seedlings showed that T. atroviride LBM 112, T. stilbohypoxyli LBM 120, and T. koningiopsis LBM 219 enhanced plant dry weight over 47% in total and 24% in the aerial part. Moreover, T. koningiopsis LBM 219 increased root dry weight 25% in contrast with in vitro controls. In conclusion, native Trichoderma strains could be a sustainable solution to improve yerba mate yield.

Growth, Physio-Biochemical Aspects, Productivity and Fungicide Residue in Tomato Plants Affected by Tolclofos-Methyl (Rizolex) Fungicide and some Remediating Agents

Vegetative growth of Tomato was negatively influenced by Tolclofos-methyl addition, and its phytotoxic effect was more pronounced on plant height and leaf area than other growth parameters. Application of Tolclofos-methyl fungicide at high rate caused marked decline in leaf chloroplast pigments, and carotenoids were more influenced. Total water content and leaf water deficit increased but the relative water content decreased as a result of Tolclofos-methyl application. Transpiration rate tended to increase at the lower dose of Tolclofos-methyl but decrease at its higher rate. Membrane integrity was increased with increasing the fungicide rate. Mineral elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn), plant growth promoter substances (IAA, GA3, Cytokinins), and total free amino acids were reduced, whereas ABA, proline content, total phenol and the activity of phenoloxidase and peroxidase were increased in the fungicide exposed plants. Using Tolclofos-methyl fungicide at the high rate significantly reduced the number of flowers and fruit, vitamin C content of the fruits, yield, and water use efficiency of tomato plants. Total soluble solids and acidity in tomato fruits were increased, whereas lycopene content was decreased. Tolclofos-methyl fungicide residue in tomato fruits was dramatically enhanced above the maximum level of residue of Tolclofos-methyl fungicide (100 µg kg-1 in tomato fruits) and reached 176.8 and 423.2 µg kg-1 fresh weight at the rates of 2 and 4 g m-2 soil, respectively. Application of Bacillus, Trichoderma, GA3 and BP caused marked enhancements in the growth, yield, plant water relations, biochemical constituents, photosynthetic pigments and chemical properties of tomato fruits under both of the normal and fungicide pollution conditions. In addition, using these agents reduced the fungicide residue in fruits by about 42, 73, 35 and 5 % at the fungicide rate of 2 g m-2 soil and by about 80, 38, 68 and 47% at the rate of 4 g m-2 soil, respectively. It could be concluded that Trichoderma followed by Bacillus at the recommended dose of fungicide or Bacillus followed by GA3 at the exceeded dose of fungicide are useful tools to alleviate the phytotoxic effects and reduce the residue level of Tolclofos-methyl in tomato fruits below its maximum level.

Perception of end users about effectivenss of Sawaj brand Trichderma

Trichoderma harzianum is a saprophytic fungus which is used as biological control agent against a wide range of economically important aerial and soil borne plant pathogens. Junagadh Agricultural University has been engaged in production of T harzianum in the brand name Sawaj Trichoderma and making it available to the farming community since the year 2005–06. The study was conducted to know the farmers’ perception about the use of Sawaj Trichoderma. Total 100 respondents were selected for the study from five Talukas of the district who had used brand Sawaj Trichoderma. They believed in doing after seeing as 68 per cent followed others in case of innovativeness; 63 per cent respondents had medium risk orientation and majority of the respondents used Sawaj Trichoderma in crops like groundnut (35%) and cumin (33%). Farmers gave first rank to the statement ‘application of Trichoderma is beneficial where fungal diseases appear in soil every year’ with weightage mean score (WMS) 4.84. The lowest ranking was given to the statements ‘there is no benefit of application of Trichoderma’ (XXII). The farmers were highly satisfied with the effectiveness and usefulness of Sawaj Trichoderma.

Appraisal of Biofertilizers in Rice: To Supplement Inorganic Chemical Fertilizer

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of inoculating rice seedlings with biofertilizers (Azospirillum and Trichoderma) in order to reduce the use of chemical inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on rice variety BU Dhan 1. The plant performances were better when 25% less inorganic N was applied with Trichoderma and combined application of Trichoderma and Azospirillum. Plants contained the highest chlorophyll concentrations when they were treated with 75% N+Trichoderma. Considering the yield attributes, 75% N+Trichoderma and 75% N+Trichoderma+Azospirillum performed similar to the control. The grain yield of rice was similar to the recommended dose even with 25% less N application. Application of Trichoderma resulted higher yield, followed by combined application with Azospirillum. Results revealed the greater scope of applying biofertilizer (Trichoderma) to supplement chemical N fertilizer with optimum yield of rice.

Encountering epidemic effects of leaf spot disease (Alternaria brassicae) on Aloe vera by fungal biocontrol agents in agrifields-An ecofriendly approach.

Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is a highly important and extensively cultivated medicinal plant and that is also extensively used in the cosmetic industry. It has been frequently reported to suffer from Alternaria leaf spot disease in various parts of the world. Various fungicides used to combat this disease, have deleterious effects on the environment and on pharmacologically important constituents of Aloe vera. To avoid the harmful effects of fungicides an ecofriendly approach has been adopted here. A weekly survey was conducted during 2013–2015 in and around North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) to obtain the percentage of disease index (PDI). For biological control of the disease, screening of the antagonistic efficacy of biocontrol agents was carried out through the in vitro dual-culture-plate method and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the mechanism. The in vitro effects of fungicides on the radial growth of the pathogen were evaluated through the poison food method and were compared with potent antagonistic fungi. Field application of potent antagonistic fungi was conducted through the dip-and-spray method. The results showed that, the PDI peaked during the hot and humid conditions of May to September (76.57%–98.57%) but decreased during the winter, December-January (35.71–46.66%). Trichoderma asperellum exerted the greatest inhibition of the radial growth of A. brassicae acting through non volatile (70.39%) and volatile metabolites (72.17%). A SEM study confirmed the hyperparasitic nature of T. asperellum through hyphal coiling-T. asperellum was similar to 2% blitox-50 (73.92%) and better than 2% bavistin (59.77%) (in vitro). In agricultural field trials (2013–15), Trichoderma application restricted the disease to the smallest area (PDI 24.00–29.33%) in comparison to untreated plots (73.33%). In conclusion, saplings treated with the dip method (108 spores / mL) and sprayed 4 times with a spore suspension of biocontrol agents such as T. asperellum, T. viride and T. harzianum, standardized at a rate of 2.5 L / plot (36 sq ft) (108 spores/ mL) are suggested for the ecofriendly management of this epidemic leaf spot disease of Aloe vera in agricultural fields.

Effects of short-term rotation and Trichoderma application on the soil environment and physiological characteristics of Malus hupehensis Rehd. seedlings under replant conditions

In this study, we explored the effects of short-term rotation and Trichoderma application on the plant biomass, root respiration rate, root protective enzymes of Malus hupehensis Rehd., and soil environment under replant conditions, to provide a basis for the prevention of the apple replant disease (ARD). In 2014, old apple orchard soils were treated by rotating peanut, Allium fistulosum L., fallow, and natural grass, and replanted apple orchard soil was used as the control. The soils of the different treatments were mixed well with Trichoderma at a concentration of 0.5% (w/w), and 6kg of each treated soil was added to a pot (outer diameter, 27cm; inner diameter, 23cm; height, 18cm). Uniform seedlings of Malus hupehensis Rehd. were transplanted to the pots on April 23, 2015. Two seedlings were planted in each pot, and 30 pots were prepared for each treatment. The samples were collected at the end of August, when there were visible differences in seedling growth among the treatments. The results showed that rotating Allium fistulosum L. mixed with Trichoderma could significantly improve the populations of bacteria and actinomycetes in the soil, which increased by 189.4% and 107.1%, respectively. The biomass of M. hupehensis significantly improved, and plant fresh weight, dry weight, height, and diameter increased by 186.3%, 205.9%, 58.8%, and 33.2%, respectively. In addition, the total fine root length, total fine root surface area, total fine root volume, and fine root tip number increased by 147.2%, 225.9%, 298.5%, and 331.3%, respectively. Compared with the control seedlings, the treated seedlings showed higher respiration rate of the root system, Superoxide Dismutase activity and Peroxidase activity by 131.0%, 46.3%, and 110%, respectively. Analysis of the terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism profiles showed that the treatment of short-term crop rotation and Trichoderma changed the soil fungal community structure; improved the Simpson index of the soil fungal community; and reduced the Shannon index, Pielou index, and Margalef index. The results suggest that short-term rotation of Allium fistulosum L. mixed with Trichoderma could alleviate ARD.

Various Shallot Seed Treatments with Trichoderma to Increase Growth and Yield on Sandy Coastal

Sandy coastal area is a poor land, with minimal nutrients and low ability to store water and nutrition. Therefore, plant is difficult to grow well, consequently the treatments for improving sandy coastal is required before planting to support their growth. Application of Trichoderma as a plant-growth promoting and controlling pathogens had been known. Shallot seed treatment by Trichoderma agents was intended to improve and support plant growth and yield in the sandy coastal land. The aim of experiment was to determine the most effective treatment to improve growth and yield of shallot on sandy coastal land. The experiment had been carried out in Yogyakarta during August - November 2015. The factorial treatments of cultivar and Trichoderma applications were arranged in Completely Randomized Design with three replications. The shallot cultivars consisted of Tiron, Crok, and Biru, while Trichoderma application consisted of control (no treatment), sprayed with Trichoderma, soaked in Trichoderma, matricontioning media i.e. rice husk charcoal and brick in combination with Trichoderma. The collected data related to plant growth and yield. The result showed that seed treatment methods with Trichoderma increased the plant height, the leaf area index, extensive root, net assimilation rate (NAR), plant growth rate (PGR), Nitrate Reductase Activities (NRA), total chlorophyll, and fresh bulb weight. The best technical treatment for cultivar Tiron was soaked with Trichoderma, and Crok was sprayed with Trichoderma, while Biru cultivar was using brick in combination with Trichoderma.

Trichoderma atroviride TRS25 isolate reduces downy mildew and induces systemic defence responses in cucumber in field conditions

In an attempt to reduce the impact of downy mildew progress during cucumber cultivation and to improve plant growth, the efficacy of bio-agent Trichoderma atroviride TRS25 was evaluated in open field conditions. Two application forms of TRS25 were used: (i) dried conidia for seed coating, (ii) fungal biomass on organic carrier for soil application. The experiment was conducted for three years. The effect of TRS25 on cucumber germination, early plant growth, cucumber yield, rhizosphere colonization and downy mildew development were measured. To confirm the early evidence of induced resistance in plants caused by TRS25, the changes in hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxides, phenolic compounds concentrations and the phenylalanine ammonia lyase, guaiacol peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase activities in plant leaf tissues were estimated.Seed coating with TRS25 significantly improved cucumber germination, enhanced vegetative plant growth and reduced downy mildew infection, compared to untreated plants. Soil application of Trichoderma with organic carrier was disadvantageous for cucumber production, because of phytotoxic effect of the carrier. However, both forms of TRS25 application significantly reduced downy mildew and activated systemic defence responses in cucumber plants. The fungus was also able to colonize the rhizosphere. The results suggest that T. atroviride TRS25 may be used to improve plant resistance in integrated plant protection program.

Effect of biochar and Trichoderma application on fungal diversity and growth of Zea mays in a sandy loam soil

Effect of biochar and Trichoderma application on fungal diversity and growth of Zea mays in a sandy loam soil

Effect of Trichoderma and fungicide on seedling establishment and yield performance of dry direct seeded boro rice

Poor seedling establishment and seedling mortality is the major barrier to optimum stand establishment in dry direct seeded boro rice. Experiments were carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh during January to June 2013 to study the effect of Trichoderma and fungicide application on seedling establishment and yield performance of dry direct seeded Boro rice. The experiment comprised ten treatment combinations of Trichoderma and fungicides viz. seed treatment with Trichoderma (M1), seed treatment with Trichoderma+spraying of Thiovit (M2), seed treatment with Trichoderma + spraying of Propiconazole (M3), seed treatment with Trichoderma + spraying of Thiovit and Propiconazole (M4), spraying of Thiovit (M5), spraying of Propiconazole (M6), seed treatment with Thiovit + spraying of Propiconazole (M7), seed treatment with Propiconazole + spraying of Thiovit (M8), spraying of mixture of Thiovit and Propiconazole (M9), and control (no fungicide or Trichoderma ) (M10).The experiments used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Experiment revealed that seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum followed by spraying of Thiovit gave the highest yield of rice. The study concludes that Trichoderma and then application of sulphur fungicide at 20 days after sowing could be practiced for ensuring high seedling establishment and yield of rice under dry direct seeded system in boro season.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 37-42, June 2016

Application of chitosan and Trichoderma against soil-borne pathogens and their effect on yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Application of chitosan and Trichoderma against soil-borne pathogens and their effect on yield of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Use of Trichoderma spp. and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi to increase soil beneficial population of bacteria in a nectarine commercial orchard: Effect on root growth, nutrient acquisition and replanting disease

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present experiment was to evaluate the effect of commercial Trichoderma and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF)-based bio-fertilizers on nectarine root growth, nutrient acquisition and replanting disease. The experiment was performed from 2008 to 2012 in an A. mellea-infected nectarine orchard subjected to the following treatments: 1) untreated control; 2) AMF-biofertilizer applied at planting (120 kg ha−1) and every year in spring and autumn at the rate of 6 kg ha−1; 3) Trichoderma spp applied at planting (5 g plant−1) and every year (in April, May and September) at 2.5 kg ha−1. AMF bio-fertilizers decreased root diameter and increased root survivorship. Leaf phosphorus concentration increased in AMF bio-fertilizers plots, while no significant treatments effects were observed on other leaf nutrient concentration. Although biofertilizer application did not affect soil microbial population, at the end of the trial (2012) the application of Trichoderma alone increased the population of the fungus.

Hex1-related transcriptome of Trichoderma atroviride reveals expression patterns of ABC transporters associated with tolerance to dichlorvos.

The tolerance to organophosphate pesticide, dichlorvos, is essential for the application of Trichoderma in bioremediation and integrated pest management, although the molecular events associated with the tolerance process have not yet been elucidated. RNA-seq analysis of wild-type Trichoderma atroviride T23 and the hex1-deleted mutant under dichlorvos stress was designed to search for genes involved in the tolerance process. A total of 5382 differentially expressed genes were identified, highlighting the complex transcriptional changes of T. atroviride in response to dichlorvos stress. 137 genes were regulated by dichlorvos and hex1, encoding major facilitator superfamilies, cytochrome P450, glutathione-S-transferase, flavoprotein, Hsp70, Hsp90, etc. Pathway and expression analysis indicated that ABC transporters were affected by the disruption of hex1 gene and might play a vital role in the tolerance process. Expression patterns of seven selected ABC transporter genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR after exposure to dichlorvos for 2, 6 and 24h. The present study provides insights into the genetic basis of dichlorvos tolerance in Trichoderma that may be exploited for further development of bioremediation or biocontrol agents.

Seed Priming and Trichoderma Application: A Method for Improving Seedling Establishment and Yield of Dry Direct Seeded Boro (Winter) Rice in Bangladesh

Seedling mortality is the major barrier to optimum stand establishment in dry direct seeded boro (winter) rice. Two experiments were carried out at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh, Bangladesh during January to June 2012 and 2013 to study the effect of seed priming, Trichoderma and fungicide application on seedling establishment and yield performance of dry direct seeded Boro rice. First experiment comprised three seed priming treatments, osmopriming with 3% ZnSO4 solution, hydropriming and no priming. There were five treatment combinations of Trichoderma and fungicides. These were seed treatment with Trichoderma (T1), spraying of rice seedling with sulphur fungicide (Thiovit) (T2); propiconazole fungicide (Potent) (T3), and combination of Thiovit and Potent (T4) and a control treatment (T5) where no fungicide or Trichoderma was applied. The treatment was applied at 20 days after sowing (DAS). In year 2013, the experiment comprised ten treatment combinations of Trichoderma and fungicides viz.seed treatment with Trichoderma (T1), seed treatment with Trichoderma + spraying of Thiovit (T2), seed treatment with Trichoderma + spraying of Potent (T3), seed treatment with Trichoderma + spraying of Thiovit and Potent (T4), spraying of Thiovit (T5), spraying of P otent (T6), seed treatment with Thiovit + spraying of Potent (T7), seed treatment with Potent + spraying of Thiovit (T8), spraying of mixture of Thiovit and Potent (T9), and control (no fungicide or Trichoderma) (T10). Both the experiments used Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Results showed that osmopriming gave higher number of seedling, length and dry matter of shoot and root and yield than hydropriming. All these attributes were highest with seed treatment by Trichoderma. Experiment 2 revealed that seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum followed by spraying of Thiovit gave the highest yield of rice. The study concludes that sowing of seed after osmopriming with 3% ZnSO4 and biopriming with Trichoderma and then application of sulphur fungicide at 20 days after sowing could be practiced for ensuring high seedling establishment and yield of rice under dry direct seeded system in boro season.

<i>Trichoderma</i>-mediated enhancement of nutrient uptake and reduction in incidence of <i>Rhizoctonia solani</i> in tomato

Trichoderma harzianum is a naturally occurring filamentous fungus which solubilizes mineral nutrients and inorganic fertilizers, increasing availability and uptake of nutrients to the plant. Rhizoctonia solani is a major problem for seedlings, causing damping-off and in mature plants causing foot and root rot in the tomato crop, reducing nutrient uptake. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum (BHU-51), Trichoderma harzianum (BHU-105) and their consortium Trichoderma harzianum (BHU-51+BHU-105) on management of R. solani and nutrient levels in the plants.The application of Trichoderma as a seed treatment significantly decreased the incidence of damping-off and increased the vigour index of the plants. The maximum reduction in disease incidence was recorded for the consortium (BHU-51+BHU-105) treatments. The mineral content in treated plants was also higher than untreated pathogen-inoculated controls. Field trials also showed that the consortium produced better results in terms of shoot length, chlorophyll content and yield than the control.The application of Trichoderma in consortium form increased mineral nutrient uptake, reduced disease incidence and obtained a greater yield with reduced chemical pesticide loads, benefitting farmers and consumers.Keywords: Trichoderma; Rhizoctonia solani; nutrient uptake; damping-off; disease management.

Ameliorative role of Trichoderma fungi on cadmium and copper toxicity in wheat (Triticum aestivum L)

Soil contamination with heavy metals may threat the sustainability of crop production, food safety and human health. It has been well documented that the use of microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp. can significantly ameliorate the heavy metals toxicity in soils and plants. This study investigated the efficiency of Trichoderma application on optimizing wheat (Morvarid cultivar) germination parameters under cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) nitrate toxicity at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L1). Through a completely randomized design with four replications using a factorial experiment. Some germination parameters such as germination percentage and germination rate, seed vigor index, germination index, seedling length, allometric coefficient (shoot to root ratio), fresh and dry weight of seedling were determined. The Results revealed the significant effect of Trichoderma on germination percentage (up to 10%), root length (up to 10%), seedling length (up to 15%), fresh and dry weights of seedling (nearly 12 and 11%, respectively). The application of Trichoderma in Cd contaminated treatments (up to 100 mg L-1) markedly improved wheat germination index (16, 10 and 12% respectively) and seedling length (5, 26 and 0.5% respectively). On the other hand, increasing the amount of Cu up to 50 mg L-1 in Trichoderma inoculation treatment resulted in higher germination index (20% compared to non-inoculated seeds) and seedling length (30% more than non-inoculated seeds). In conclusion, Trichoderma longibrachiatum could increase seedlings᾽ chance of surviving under heavy metals᾽ toxicity.

Eficiência da inoculação combinada de rizóbio e Trichoderma spp. em diferentes cultivares de feijão-caupi (Vigna unguiculata) no cerrado (Savana Brasileira)

The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of combined inoculation of Rhizobia and Trichoderma in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). Three cultivars of cowpea, ‘Corujinha’, ‘Fradinho’ and ‘Sempre Verde’ were assayed. The experiment was conducted in a field in a randomized block design with four replications. The treatments used were simple and combined inoculations of Rhizobia and Trichoderma in the seed and in the soil, at planting and 15 days after planting (DAP). It was also included a control over fertilized with nitrogen and a non-inoculated control. Strains of Bradyrhizobium sp. were used for inoculation. Trichoplus JCO inoculant powder was used for treatments with Trichoderma. The parameters evaluated were biomass, nodulation, productivity, efficiency and symbiotic nitrogen content and phosphorus. The application of Trichoderma at 15 DAP in both the seed and in the soil showed the best results in most of the cultivars analyzed, overcoming the other treatments. Cultivar ‘Corujinha’ showed the best results for biomass production. The application of Trichoderma did not inhibit the nodulation process, and the best results were obtained when the fungus was inoculated with Rhizobia.