Isolation and identification of Trichoderma species from different habitats and their use for bioconversion of solid waste

Authors: AHSANUR RAHMAN, MOST. FERDOUSI BEGUM, MATIUR RAHMAN, M. A. BARI, G.N.M. ILLIAS, M. FIROZ ALAM

Abstract: The native population of Trichoderma species collected from different habitats was quantified and characterised. The identified strains are T. harzianum (IMI-392432, 392433, 392434); T. pseudokoningii (IMI-392431) and T. virens (IMI-392430). Out of five strains, T. harzianum was the most common in all of the habitats. Colony forming units (cfu's) of Trichoderma species varied significantly (P = 0.05) in different habitats and were positively correlated with the physico-chemical characteristics of the habitat. Trichoderma was found to have adapted to an acidic habitat. In testing for an efficient bioconversion agent, T. harzianum (IMI-392432) was found to be the most effective in kitchen waste decomposition. It provided the highest volume (31.80%) and weight (30.80%) losses in waste treated with spore suspension. Promising results were also noted using a combined treatment with different strains/species of Trichoderma, which resulted in 18% greater decomposition of waste than the control.

Keywords: Isolation, distribution, Trichoderma, kitchen waste, bioconversion

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