Author(s): N. Hewavitharana*, S.D.P. Kannangara, L.R. Jayasekera and D.M.P.S. Dissanayake

Affiliation: *Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Abstract: Trichoderma spp. are fast growing fungi, widely used as bio-controlling agents for controlling soil-borne diseases of plants. They also act as growth promoters. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of compost enriched with three Trichoderma spp. (T. virens, T. harzianum and T. asperullum) on the growth and disease suppression in Solanum melongena. In an in-vitro study, Trichoderma spp. were tested as a potential bio-control agents against the fungal diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum andRhizoctonia solani. The three selected Trichoderma spp. were mass-produced separately, in 250 g of sawdust as carrier material. They were incorporated into the prepared compost medium (1:1:2:2:2 ratio of cow dung, poultry rice husk, Panicum maximum, Tithonia diversifolia and Mikania scandens) at higher frequencies. Effect of Trichoderma- amended compost on plant growth was evaluated using Solanum melongena by measuring several growth parameters and disease incidence for 60 days after planting in the field. The data were statistically analyzed using MINITAB 16 version, statistical package. The highest mean plant height (75.8±2.25 cm), number of flowers per plant (18±2) and fruits yield (18.5±3.25 t ha^-1) were observed from the prepared compost medium with Trichoderma amendments. Solanum melongena planted without Trichoderma treatment in the field was shown significantly lower (p<0.05)growth parameters than that of others. Solanum melongena treated by Trichoderma amended compost medium showed a significantly lower (p<0.05)disease incidence (12%) compared with untreated controls. The results indicated that the compost incorporated with Trichoderma enhanced plant growth and disease tolerance, particularly by reducing soil-borne diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani in Solanum melongena.

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