A Comparative Study of Various Substrate Combinations on Mass Multiplication of Trichoderma lexii (T-94a)

Abstract

The high cost of raw materials has long hindered the large-scale commercialization of Trichoderma sp. conidiophore formulations. This study addresses the need for affordable, nutrient-rich alternatives by exploring the use of lignocellulosic residues, comprising lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, as a carbon source for cultivating Trichoderma. These fungi possess unique attributes, such as filamentous growth and prolific spore production, which make them valuable for composting lignocellulosic waste. Using different substrates with a combination of straws effectively helps in the decomposition of straw and enhances the mass multiplication of Trichoderma lexii (T-94a). Different substrates such as broken rice, grounded maize, gram flour, sorghum & broken wheat were used in combination with paddy straws. A combination of Maize + straw induced an early response in the mycelial growth of Trichoderma lexii (T-94a). After 5 and 10 days of inoculation, physical parameters such as growth and sporulation characteristics of T. lexii (T-94a) show highly uniform growth and profuse sporulation on maize and straw combination as compared to broken rice & straw, sorghum, and straw combinations. This finding has promising implications for improving agricultural practices and waste management. Further research can fine-tune the optimal substrate ratios to enhance the efficiency of biocontrol agents and waste decomposition. Scaling up the application of these substrate combinations in real-world farming scenarios and assessing their long-term environmental impact will be essential for realizing the full potential of these sustainable agricultural practices.