The integrated effect of Spent mushrooms compost and Trichoderma towards root pathogens

Abstract: This study aims to investigate the integrated effect that Trichoderma spp. and water extract of spent mushroom compost (WESMC) have towards the growth of the root pathogen Pythium spp. Both Trichoderma spp. and SMC are typical examples of microorganisms and organic material that are added to soil or other growing substrates because of their suppressive character. The study involved a simple In vitro experiment where Trichoderma, Pythium and WESMC were investigated in six different combinations. The different combinations, or treatments, were put to grow on four different selective mediums. A viable count was performed to evaluate the pathogen growth on the Pythium spp. selective media (PSM) and the growth of Trichoderma evaluates on the Trichoderma spp. selective media (TSM). Tryptic Soy Agar (TSA) and Malt Extract Agar (MA) was used as selective media to evaluate the growth of the general bacterial- and fungal flora. The results indicate that WESMC alone has the ability to inhibit the pathogen growth. Trichoderma, alone or in combination with WESMC, indicates a lower effect compared to WESMC alone. The general bacterial- and fungal flora increased in the treatments that combined Trichoderma, Pythium and WESMC. The results also indicate that more studies are needed to establish the integrated effect between WESMC and Trichoderma spp.