Optimal Physical Parameters for Growth of Trichoderma Species at Varying pH, Temperature and Agitation

Abstract

The study was aimed to carry out experiments to determine the optimal parameters for the biomass production of Trichoderma. It is quite essential to determine the physical conditions that are favorable for the growth of Trichoderma species. The seven species under study have been isolated from the rhizospheric soils of chickpea; pigeon pea and lentil crops of different areas of an Indian State (Uttar Pradesh) and these were later tested in vitro at different pH, temperatures and varying agitation speed. A significant difference in the biomass production was recorded among the species at tested pH levels i.e. 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5 and 8.0. The most favorable pH ranges between 5.5 and 7.5 in which total dry weight of mycelium varies between 1.41 and 1.35 g. Although all the species of Trichoderma produced sufficient biomass at different temperatures viz. 20°C, 25°C, 30°C and 35°C but they were found to be best grown at a temperature range of 25°C to 30°C. Aeration by agitation was also checked at different speeds such as 100, 150, 200 and 250 rpm but greatest biomass was recorded at 150 rpm.