Investigating Plant Growth Promoting Properties of Trichoderma Species
for Sustainable Agriculture
Abstract
The sustainability and productivity of agriculture can be significantly
enhanced through the use of Plant Growth Promoting Microorganisms
(PGPM). Trichoderma species are well-known Plant Growth Promoting
Fungi (PGPF) with proven capabilities in promoting plant growth, and
they have been studied for many years as soil microorganisms. The
utilization of Trichoderma species in sustainable agricultural
systems can potentially to increase soil fertility, thereby contributing
to environmentally friendly farming practices. In this study,
Trichoderma strains (n=62) isolated from various soil and fungal
compost samples were investigated for their PGPM properties. These
properties include antagonistic effects against phytopathogens, lytic
enzyme activities, siderophore and IAA production, phosphate
solubilization, and potassium mobilization. Three Trichoderma
isolates showing high PGPF activity were identified, and their molecular
characterization was conducted. Two isolates of Trichoderma
koningiopsis and one isolate of T. harzianum were
identified.