Effect of different incubation period and pH on biomass production of Trichoderma harzianum (Th 14)

The biological control using antagonistic microorganisms has proved to be very successful for managing various plant diseases. Among the bio-agents, Trichoderma harzianum has been widely studied and is presently marketed as biopesticides, biofertilizers and soil amendment material due to its ability to protect plants, enhance vegetative growth and reduce pathogen populations under numerous agricultural conditions. The present study was conducted to identify optimum incubation period and pH for the production of biomass and sporulation of T. harzianum Th 14. Biomass and sporulation was measured in (mg 100ml⁻¹) and (spores ml⁻¹) respectively. Maximum biomass and sporulation (958 mg; 4.54x10⁸) was obtained at 15 days after incubation (DAI) followed 12 DAI (922 mg; 4.28x10⁸) and both were at par with each other, while minimum at 5 DAI (703 mg; 2.64x10⁸). The influence of pH on production of biomass and sporulation of T. harzianum was clearly observed. Significantly maximum biomass and sporulation was obtained at pH 6.0 (1102 mg; 5.00 x10⁸) followed by pH 5.0 (993 mg; 3.75 x10⁸) and pH 7.0 (966 mg; 4.25x10⁸). Twelve days incubation period (12days) and pH (6.0) could be recommended for the mass multiplication of T. harzianum Th 14.