Influence of abiotic factors on in vitro growth of indigenous Trichoderma isolates of Gujarat

Abstract

Trichoderma can reduce the reliance on agrochemicals while boosting plant growth and resilience to both biotic and abiotic challenges. Ideally, Trichoderma should be able to endure various environmental conditions to effectively thrive and protect plants from stressors. However, as living microorganisms, their survival and effectiveness can be compromised by extreme conditions. So, the abiotic stress tolerance of five efficient indigenous Trichoderma isolates was evaluated under in-vitro conditions. The isolates exhibited maximum growth at pH 6.0 and 30 °C, with growth decreasing at lower and higher pH levels and temperatures. Optimal growth was observed at 100 mM salt concentration, while growth significantly decreased above 500 mM, with the least growth at 1250 mM. The isolates also tolerated 10 and 20 percent PEG concentrations but showed a drastic reduction in mycelial growth at 30 and 40 percent PEG.