Abstract

Effect of Trichoderma Isolates on Root Growth of Different Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Clones; Nursery Based Study

Most farmers depend on tea as a cash crop and raising it is challenging due to pathogens and other factors which lower the vigour hence production of weak plantlets. Some Trichoderma species promote growth in a wide range of plant species. They establish robust and long lasting colonization of the root surfaces penetrating into the epidermis of plants and promote shoots development; crop productivity and resistance to abiotic stresses. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of Trichoderma spp. isolates on development of shoots and shoot biomass of ten selected clones. It was isolated from forest soil (F) and root Rhizosphere of old Tea Plants (TR) using modified Martin’s Rose Bengal Agar while standard isolate, T4 was from stock cultures. The isolates were cultured, purified and characterized using morphological, cultural and microscopic characteristic. Pure cultures were multiplied using Potato Dextrose and 1 ml (2.0 × 106 cfu/ml) suspension used for inoculation. Experiments were set up with controls using DAP fertilizers in a randomized complete block design in three replicates. Observations were made after 60 days and 120 days where data was collected in June and August 2019. Data was analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software (2018) and Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed the isolates significantly (P ≤ 0.05) enhanced development of shoot and shoot biomass in some treated tea clones. It was concluded that Trichoderma spp. Promote growth of shoots and shoot biomass in different tea clones and hence, is recommended for use when raising tea cuttings in the nursery.


Author(s): Bett J.K; Cheramgoi E, and Nyangeri J

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