FORMULATION OF Trichoderma spp. AS A BIOCONTROL AGENT USING BREAD SUBSTRATE

ABSTRACT

Formulation of Trichoderma spp. as a biocontrol agent with bread substrate has played a vital role in reducing the negative side effect of inorganic fertilizer to enhance crop growth and development. The experiment was conducted at the Department of Crop Science Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin city. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD) replicated three times. Data was analysed using descriptive analysis. Different means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at <0.005% level of probability, using GenStat Release 12th edition statistical package. The treatments used were three; powdered smooth, coarse chunks and whole bread. The result of this experiment showed the viability of Trichoderma spp. when made into pellets. From the results obtained, it was observed that the smooth, coarse and the whole bread substrate was able to grow Trichoderma spp. on them. On the basis of these findings, bread can be used as a substrate to grow Trichoderma spp.