Isolation and identification of Trichoderma species from different habitats and their use for bioconversion of solid waste

Abstract

The native population of Trichoderma species collected from different habitats was quantified and characterised. The identified strains are T. harzianum (IMI-392432, 392433, 392434); T. pseudokoningii (IMI-392431) and T. virens (IMI-392430). Out of five strains, T. harzianum was the most common in all of the habitats. Colony forming units (cfu's) of Trichoderma species varied significantly (P = 0.05) in different habitats and were positively correlated with the physicochemical characteristics of the habitat. Trichoderma was found to have adapted to an acidic habitat. In testing for an efficient bioconversion agent, T. harzianum (IMI-392432) was found to be the most effective in kitchen waste decomposition. It provided the highest volume (31.80%) and weight (30.80%) losses in waste treated with spore suspension. Promising results were also noted using a combined treatment with different strains/species of Trichoderma, which resulted in 18% greater decomposition of waste than the control. © Tübi̇tak.