Compatibility evaluation of Trichoderma species with plant extracts under In-vitro conditions

Abstract

The present study evaluated the compatibility of botanical insecticides with three Trichoderma species, T. hamatum, T. harzianum and T. asperellum to assess their suitability for integrated disease management. Seven botanicals marigold, karanj, lantana, parthenium, datura, periwinkle and neem were tested at 5% and 10% concentrations. All botanicals exhibited high compatibility with T. hamatum and T. asperellum, with mycelial growth ranging from 64.17 mm to 88.50 mm and growth inhibition below 30%. For T. harzianum, most botanicals at 5% concentration were compatible, while karanj, datura, neem and lantana at 10% showed moderate compatibility, with growth inhibition ranging from 33.15% to 44.26%. These findings suggest that botanical insecticides, particularly at lower concentrations, can be safely integrated with Trichoderma spp. without compromising their growth, offering a promising approach for sustainable crop protection.