Search for a suitable substrate for mass propagation of a local strain of Trichoderma harzianum (ThTab) isolated in Burkina Faso

Abstract

A strain of Trichoderma harzianum Pers. isolated in Burkina Faso showed significant antagonistic properties against phytopathogenic fungi in vitro and in the greenhouse. The aim of this study was to identify an effective, available and inexpensive medium for its multiplication and large-scale use. Thus, vari ous organic substrates identified as carbon sources were supplemented with others identified as nitrogen sources and then tested using the solid-state fermentation method. An inoculum of the fungus was fermented on these slightly humified substrates for 07 days at room temperature (22-25°C). The number of micropropagules produced per substrate was then evaluated in Colony Forming Units per gram of substrate (CFU/gos). The use of maize bran supplemented with soy flour as a substrate resulted in an average micropropagule production of 1045.5.108 CFU/gos, i.e. a 5228-fold multiplication of the initial inoculum. Maize bran was the best carbon source, with an average contribution of 297,108 CFU/gos whatever the nitrogen supplement, and soy flour the best nitrogen supplement, with an average contribution of 113.7,108 CFU/g0s whatever the carbon source. The development of a formulation based on maize bran and soy flour for the mass multiplication of this strain is envisaged.