BIOCONTROL POTENTIAL OF TRICHODERMA SPP. AGAINST FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM IN SOLANUM LYCOPERSICUM L

Objective: The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of biocontrol Trichoderma species agent against Fusarium oxysporum in Solanum lycopersicum L. Methods: Genus Trichoderma effective biocontrol agent against fungal, bacterial pathogen. The fungal isolates Trichoderma viride (Tr01), Trichoderma harzianum (Tr02), and F. oxysporum (Fu04) were also identified through morphological characterization observed under a light microscope (10x×40x). The isolates (Tr01, Tr02, Fu04) were confirmed through genetic DNA isolation and polymerase chain reaction analysis. After that pot culture study was conducted to test the antagonistic potential (Tr01, Tr02) and against (Fu04). Seeds of tomato (S. lycopersicum L.) were used in this experiment; treatment such as control, Tr01, Tr02, Fu04, Tr01+ Fu04, and Tr02+ Fu04 was given to the seeds sown in pots and maintained in appropriate distances. Results: In pot culture after 45th day after inoculation of bioinoculated plant (Tr02), significantly enhances plant length, fresh weight, dry weight, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, NPK content, and soil microbial population. Conclusion: In this experiment, Trichoderma spp. to control plant pathogen and improve yield and quality of crop. Fungal species belonging to the genus Trichoderma act as a biological agent. Bioinoculated plant (Tr02) significantly enhances plant growth ability to with stand under nutrient deficient conditions.