In-Vitro Culture of Trichoderma Harzianum as Influenced by Different Organic Substrates Applied with Varying Concentration Levels of Indole-3 Acetic Acid

Abstract

This study explores the growth dynamics, sporulation patterns, and biomass conversion efficiency of Trichoderma harzianum under varying conditions. The primary objective was to analyze hyphal expansion, spore production rates, and the fresh-to-dried weight ratio at different stages of fungal development. Experimental observations revealed that hyphal growth exhibited significant variations across treatments, with stabilization occurring by Day 12. Similarly, sporulation rates followed a progressive trend before reaching a constant phase, indicating a critical period for optimal fungal maturation. Biomass conversion efficiency, as measured by the fresh-to-dried weight ratio, demonstrated variability across different treatments, suggesting potential metabolic differences in fungal adaptation. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the environmental and biological factors influencing Trichoderma harzianum growth and development. The study underscores the importance of optimizing growth conditions to enhance the beneficial applications of T. harzianum in agriculture and biotechnology, particularly in biocontrol and soil health improvement. Further research is recommended to explore the genetic and physiological mechanisms influencing the growth, colonization, and sporulation of Trichoderma harzianum under varying environmental conditions. Understanding these biological responses will help optimize fungal cultivation techniques, improve its biocontrol efficiency, and enhance its potential applications in sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, and environmental management. Additionally, studies on the interactions between Trichoderma harzianum and external factors such as substrate composition, nutrient availability, and hormonal regulation can provide deeper insights into maximizing its effectiveness for large-scale production and field application.