Trichoderma has emerged as a valuable biocontrol agent due to the detrimental effects of chemical fertilizers on the environment. These fungal communities play a critical role in combating agricultural diseases and have shown effective elimination of harmful fungi in approximately 90% of cases. The utilization of carbon and nitrogen patterns by heterotrophic organisms is essential for their sustenance, and the wide range of available substrates in nature contributes to biological diversity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of different carbon sources on the growth and sporulation of Trichoderma asperellum isolates (TAGJM, TANYG, TABLGR, TAPUR, TAKJR and TACTC) in liquid Richard's medium. Eight carbon sources were tested, and their utilization by the fungus was analyzed by adjusting their quantities to match the carbon content of sucrose in a constant C/N ratio. A control group without any carbon source was also included. The results demonstrated diverse utilization patterns across the tested isolates, with TAKJR exhibiting the highest mean dry biomass weight, followed by TANYG, while TAPUR and TACTC showed the lowest mean dry biomass weights. Mannitol emerged as the most favorable carbon source, recording the highest dry biomass weight, followed by sucrose and glucose. Lactose and starch exhibited the lowest dry biomass weights. Understanding the nutritional requirements of Trichoderma species and their response to growth and sporulation is crucial for supplementing media and enhancing mass production. Overall, this research provides insights into the ecological behavior and nutritional needs of Trichoderma spp., contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the efficient production of Trichoderma biomass.

Trichoderma asperellum, Carbon source, Mannitol, Sucrose, biomass

Research into the effects of different carbon sources on the development and sporulation of Trichoderma asperellum isolates has shown interesting differences in resource consumption by these fungus. The results showed that growth rates varied significantly amongst isolates, highlighting the need of learning about their dietary preferences. Mannitol, sucrose, and glucose were shown to be ideal substrates for Trichoderma growth, and the choice of carbon source was found to have a major impact on biomass output.

A.G. Panda, M.K. Mishra, B. Boblina, D. Datta and B. Jena (2022). Investigating the Impact of Diverse Carbon Sources on the Growth of Trichoderma asperellum Isolates Derived from Pulse Rhizospheres in Odisha. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(4a): 814-816.