Studies on the Growth and Multiplication of Trichoderma harzianum and Trichoderma viride on Different Compost Manures and their Population Dynamics in Vitro and in Vivo Conditions

Compost, biofertilizers and antagonists have been widely explored as effective and ecofriendly options for controlling plant diseases. An investigation was conducted to study in vitro growth and multiplication of talc-based Trichoderma harzianum and a commercial formulation of Trichoderma viride in different compost manures. Optimal compost and vermicompost supported excellent growth of both T. harzianum and T. viride, however, the efficacy of the mixed formulation of both optimal compost and vermicompost resulted in higher population of both the antagonists and they showed significant increase for up to 45 days after inoculation. Shelf life of both the antagonists was studied in vitro and in vivo over a period of 120 days. Higher population (cfu g⁻¹) was reported in optimal compost+vermicompost+T. harzianum, which was significantly higher than optimal compost+vermicompost +T. viride. The maximum population in vitro was recorded at 30 days of incubation, whereas it was recorded in 60 days of incubation in vivo.