Comparative Effects of Trichoderma species on Growth Parameters and Yield of Zea mays (L.)

The effects of two Trichoderma species (T. harzianum and T. koningii) on number of leaf, stem height, leaf length, leaf area and yield of maize was investigated at the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Rivers State University. Trichoderma species were isolated from a contaminated mushroom at Dilomat Farms and Services Limited, Rivers State University. The species were applied on maize as follows: T. koningii combine with T. harzianum, T. koningii only and T. harzianum only; they were replicated thrice at 10-3 spores/ml, 10-5 spores/ml and 10-7 spores/ml levels of concentration. The results showed significant differences in the number of leaf, stem height, leaf length, and leaf area at 5ml and 10ml at six weeks after planting, but no significant difference was recorded on the growth parameters at 10-3 spores/ml concentration. The highest percentage yield (%Y) increase was observed at 10-7 spores/ml in T. koningii+T. harzianum combination with 61% increase in yield followed by10-3 spores/ml in T. harzianum with (40%) yield increase when compared to the control that had 18% yield increase. Trichoderma species have positive effects on all the growth parameters at the various concentration levels. For best results, combination of T. koningii and T. harzianum should be used to promote high yield in maize