Trichoderma

Introduction

Trichoderma is a fast-growing fungal decomposer commonly used to enhance compost quality, accelerate organic matter breakdown, and suppress harmful microbes during composting. Its dual abilities to degrade lignocellulosic material and antagonize pathogens make it a cornerstone organism in enriched compost production, especially for use in organic farming and nursery media.

Scientific Description

Trichoderma spp. (notably T. harzianum, T. viride, T. asperellum) are filamentous fungi in the Ascomycota phylum. They are known for rapid colonization, high enzyme secretion, and mycoparasitic activity. In composting systems, Trichoderma plays a pivotal role during the mesophilic and curing stages, converting resistant organic matter into humus-rich compost.

Key traits:

• Enzyme Production: Produces cellulases, hemicellulases, ligninases, and β-glucanases.
• Pathogen Suppression: Competes with and parasitizes harmful fungi like Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Sclerotium.
• Organic Acid Release: Contributes to nutrient mineralization and chelation.
• Rapid Growth: Can colonize compost materials faster than many saprophytic fungi.

Benefits

• Accelerates Cellulose Breakdown: Degrades crop residues, straw, husks, and fibrous wastes.
• Improves Compost Maturity: Produces stable humus with better C:N ratios and microbial balance.
• Reduces Compost Pathogens: Suppresses damping-off fungi and rotting microbes in nursery compost.
• Increases Nutrient Availability: Enhances nitrogen and phosphorus bioavailability via mineralization.
• Synergistic Use: Often combined with Bacillus spp., Phosphobacteria, and Azotobacter for fortified compost blends.

Uses

• Compostable Waste Types: Paddy straw, banana sheath, sugarcane trash, oilseed cake, fruit pulp, and urban organic waste.
• Application Methods:
  • Compost enrichment: 1–2 kg dry or 1–2 L liquid per ton of organic material, mixed during turning.
  • Curing stage application: Best added after thermophilic phase to colonize cooled compost.
  • Fortified manures: Blended into farmyard manure, coir pith, or vermicompost for value addition.
• Ideal Conditions: Moisture 60–65%, temperature 25–35°C, well-aerated piles with regular turning.

Trivia

• First studied for its ability to control Rhizoctonia in seedling trays, it is now a staple in composting units across Asia.
• Some Trichoderma strains can solubilize phosphorus, adding a secondary benefit to compost.
• Trichoderma-inoculated composts are commonly used in organic nursery trays to reduce seedling mortality.
• Its rapid growth and green spores make it visually identifiable in well-aerated compost heaps.