Among the substrates evaluated for mass production of Trichoderma viride, Swankhi (Sorghum sp.) a locally available millet, was found to be the best. It provided maximum spore cohcentration, spore viability and total biomass of the fungal antagonist. Maximum spore concentration (8 x 109 spores−2) and spore viability (92.5%) were observed after 15 days of incubation at 27± 1°C. The spores of T viride remained viable for six months at 5°C. Chickpea seeds treated with T viride @ 4–8 g kg−1 improved seed germination and provided protection to the seed from soil borne plant pathogens.
Mass multiplication, Substrates, Trichoderma viride
