Trichoderma harzianum-interaction with plants and effect on growth response

The fungus Trichoderma harzianum which was applied to pathogen-free soil, induced an increase in emergence of seedlings, plant height, leaf area and dry weight. The fungus was applied to the soil by three different methods: conidial suspension, wheat-bran/peat preparation and seed coating. The most prominent effect was observed in the wheat-bran/peat preparation. Responses occurred in different plant growth substrates such as sandy loam soil, autoclaved soil, vermiculite, peat and a mixture of vermiculite and peat (1:1, v/v). T. harzianum was also found in roots of plants growing in soil treated with the fungus.