Effects Of Indigenous Trichoderma Species On

Abstract: Faba bean root rot caused by Fusarium solani is one of the most important biotic stresses in the major growing areas in Ethiopia. The effect of indigenous Trichoderma species applied on soil and seed on faba bean root rot development was studied in glass house pot experiments. Seven indi-vidual species (T.viridea, T. hamatum, T. oblongisporium, T. longibrachiatum, T. atroviridea, T.harziunum and T.asperillum) and three combinations of species (T. asperillum + T. harziunum, T. oblongisporium +T. atroviridea and T. viridea + T. hamatum) previously tested for in-vitro antagonistic effects to the pathogen were used as bio-control agents together with untreated control. Sterilized soil in each pot was artificially inoculated with F. solani multiplied on faba bean seeds. The Trichoderma species were mass produced on wheat bran and applied to the soil or dressed to the seeds one week after inocu-lation of the pathogen. Five faba bean seeds of a susceptible local variety “kassa ” were planted per pot and observed for morta lity. Only one treatment produced significant reduction in root rot incidence in each of seed dressing and soil treatment methods. Highest protection of seedlings (only 14 % mor-tality) was obtained from seed dressing with combinations of T. oblongisporium + T. atroviridea. In the case of soil treatment, T. hamatum resulted in significantly low mortality (51%) of seedlings. All the other treatments were not significantly different from the control in terms of mortality. Field experi-ments consisting of similar treatments are recommended to confirm the efficacy of the bio-control agents for wider application