Evaluation ofTrichoderma atroviride and Trichoderma citrinoviride growth profiles and their potentials as biocontrol agent and biofertilizer

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundTwo Trichoderma species (T. atroviride and T. citrinoviride) were evaluated for their potential to have Trichoderma-based biological control agent and biofertilizer properties.Materials and MethodsEight Trichoderma spp. were identified by molecular methods. The mycoparasitic activities against different phytopathogenic fungi and their capacity to produce extracellular lytic enzymes were investigated. Furthermore, indole-3-acetic acid production and phosphate solubilization capabilities of Trichoderma spp. were evaluated together with the effect of some physical parameters and different carbon:nitrogen sources on mycelial growth and conidium production.Results and DiscussionAll strains exhibited lytic enzymes and indole-3 acetic acid production as well as phosphate solubility characteristics. Trichoderma citrinoviride demostrated more mycoparasitic activity against Fusarium oxysporium than T. atroviride whereas T. atroviride was found more effective against Rhizoctonia solani. In particular, at lower temperatures, conidium production of T. atroviride strains were significantly higher than T. citrinoviride strains. Both strains grew well on all carbon sources tested. The effect of organic nitrogen sources on growth were notably higher than inorganic nitrogen sources.ConclusionThe results provided valuable insight in both the highest mycelial growth and conidia production conditions of these cultures for further similar studies related to development of Trichoderma-based new commercial biological control and biofertilizer formulations in different agro-climatic regions.