Indian Phytopath. 55 (3) : 277-281 (2002) On farm production of Trichoderma harzianum using organic matter

ABSTRACT: Addition of Trichoderma herzienum into organic media like neemcake, coirpith, farmyard manure and decomposed coffee pulp caused an immediate increase in the population upto 3 days. Population increase was observed at all the different proportions of initial inoculum levels tried. It also showed similar trends at different locations. Increase in the total population density of T. harzianum in the media suggests that competition by native fungi in non-sterile carrier media was not a limiting factor in colonization of the media by the antagonist. Soil amended with organic materials like neemcake, coircompost, farmyard manure and Gliricidia leaves showed better growth and survival of antagonist than in soil alone. The carrier materials like neemcake, coirpith, farmyard manure and decomposed coffee pulp serve as nutrient additives to the crop in addition to inoculum production they support. Key words: Trichoderma harzianum, organic matter, population proliferation There is considerable interest in manipulating the soil microbial community to achieve the biological control of soil borne plant pathogens (Cook and Baker, 1983; Papavizas, 1985). Biocontrol is primarily linked to a sustained increase in active propagules of the antagonist. Foot rot is the most serious disease affecting black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). The disease is caused by Phytophthora capsici and is soil borne (Sarma et al., 1994). Trichoderma harzianum is widely used for the biological control of P. capsici infection in black pepper (Sarma et al., 1997). It is recommended to use along with locally available organic materials like farmyard manure, neemcake coircompost etc. before the onset of monsoon and towards the end of monsoon. If it is possible to multiply antagonists on organic materials so that farmers themselves can prepare sufficient amount of inoculum needed for their plantation. This study was conducted to determine the rate of multiplication of T. harzianum stock cultures on 'Correspondinq autho