Author(s): M Chaithra, NS Pankaja, J Mahadeva and S Supriya

Abstract: For their growth characteristics on seven distinct media, five Trichoderma isolates from non-rhizospheric regions were compared to one rhizospheric and one commercial isolate. The majority of Trichoderma isolates showed early sporulation and maximum mycelial development on corn meal agar and oat meal agar media, two of the seven different solid media. In terms of mycelia growth (90 mm) and early sporulation (48 hours after inoculation) on the greatest number of different solid media, non-rhizospheric isolates namely, PSV (Paddy straw) and GMV (Goat manure) performed better than commercial isolates. A rhizospheric Trichoderma isolate, Rkd-Cu, came in second (66 mm). Non-rhizospheric sources can also be used in search of effective bio-control agents, especially Trichoderma spp. for eco-friendly management against various plant pathogens, as fungi with the fastest growth rate and the earliest sporulation contribute to the virulence of bio-control agents against plant pathogens.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i4b.908