Optimal Technological Parameters for Cultivating Trichoderma Consortia Isolated from Northern Kazakhstan Soils

Abstract

This study determined optimal technological parameters (pH of the medium, cultivation temperature, substrate) for the production of the Trichodermin-KZ biofungicide based on consortia of native strains isolated from the soils of Northern Kazakhstan. Three substrates were tested: Czapek-Dox medium, barley seeds, and wheat bran, in liquid and solid forms. Cultural and morphological features of consortia, such as the colour of the aerial and substrate mycelium, the edges of colonies, and the features of fungal sporulation were investigated on agar media. The surface of colonies, the colour of the aerial and substrate mycelium, and the weight of biomass before and after drying were studied on liquid media. Cultivation of the test consortia at different temperatures showed that the optimal temperature is +25℃, at which the colonies reach their maximum diameters: 45.0±0.8; 45.0±0.2; 55.0±0.7; intensive accumulation of biomass, sporulation, and conidia growth. To identify the optimum pH, the fungi were grown at a constant temperature (+25℃), but with variable pH (4.0; 5.0; 6.0; 7.0; 8.0; 9.0); pH 6-7 was found to be optimal for the accumulation of fungal biomass on liquid media, while pH 5-7 was optimal for agar media. Thus, the study established the technological parameters for the production of biofungicide. The materials of this paper are of practical value for producers of organic products.