Evaluation of Trichoderma Asperellum Mass Production and Shelf Life in Talc Formulation
Abstract
Anthracnose of chilli has been reported to cause more than 50 % of yield loss in Malaysia. The popular approach for disease management of chilli is by the integration of several practices such as cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological control. With the current awareness of the importance of healthy and natural product, more chilli farmers and consumers are showing interest on safer pest and disease control practices. In this study, Trichoderma asperellum has been identified as an excellent biocontrol agent against Colletotrichum spp, the causal agent of anthracnose disease. To be able to be used in the field, it was mass-produced and then formulated in talc. Studies on liquid substrates for mass production of T. asperellum and shelf life for the talc formulation were conducted to evaluate the spore viability. Results showed formulation added with 5% glycerol gave highest initial colony forming unit (CFU) (2.33x 108) of T. asperellum and retained the spore count at 1.12 x 106 after 120 days of storage.
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Introduction
Plant diseases are one of the major concerns in cultivation worldwide consequential in loss of billions of dollars of farm produce. There is an urgent need to manage diseases to ensure a steady and constant supply of marketable products for the escalating world population. In disease management, the amplified use of chemicals has caused negative impact on environmental quality and resulted in the upward trend of many living forms which are resistant to the chemicals [1]. Trichoderma as a powerful fungal biocontrol agent against a range of phytopathogens has attracted considerable scientific attention. Several Trichoderma species such as T. harzianum have been used as BCA against Colletotrichum, the causal agent of anthracnose in greenhouse and field conditions [2]. Commercial success of biocontrol agent depends on its bioefficacy or shelf life but also the substrate for multiplication. The production of adequate quantities of high-quality inoculum is a key component of the biological control program [3]. Growth and sporulation of Trichoderma on cheap and suitable substrates would provide an economical method for mass production of biocontrol agents. A formulated product should be easy to be prepared and stable during transportation and storage. It should have abundant viable propagules with good shelf life. Various substances like talc have been used to formulate the biocontrol agents. As most of the previous studies have emphasized on use and mass production of T. harzianum and T. viride for the control of pathogens, whereas, other Trichoderma species have received comparatively less such as T. asperellum. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of different liquid substrate on mass production and shelf life of the talc powder formulation of T. asperellum at different time storage to ensure the viability of the spore.
Conclusion
The present study indicated the suitability of different liquid medium and talc powder as carrier materials for the commercial preparation of Trichoderma asperellum. Microbial count for talc-based formulations of T. asperellum was highest initially at ambient temperature but a gradual decline was recorded with the increase in the storage time.