Effect of Trichoderma on Seed Germination and Seedling Parameters of Chili

Abstract

T. virens IMI-392430, T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431, T. harzianum IMI-392432, T. harzianum IMI-392433 and T. harzianum IMI-392434 were evaluated for their potentiality on seed germination and seedling parameters in chili both laboratory and field conditions. Chili seeds were coated with spore suspension of each test strains of Thichoderma supplemented with 2 % of starch (w/v) as an adhesive. Seed germination percentages and the vigour index were significantly affected by the application of different strains of Trichoderma. Among the five Trichoderma strains, T. harzianum IMI-3924332 gave the highest germination percentage followed by T. harzianum IMI-3924333, T. harzianum IMI-3924334, T. virens IMI-392430 and T. pseudokoningii IMI-392431 treatment both in laboratory and field conditions, respectively while control decrease these value. Chili seeds also gave the highest vigour index values with T. harzianum IMI-3924332 which confirmed to better germination. Seed treatment with T. harzianum IMI-3924332 can be useful to enhance the germination of chili seeds as well as reduce to delayed germination. Further investigations however are required to study in vivo effect of Trichoderma strains on morphological and physiological characteristics in chili plant and fruit production.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jsf.v8i1-2.14637

J. Sci. Foundation, 8(1&2): 141-150, June-December 2010