Do you know the importance and use of Trichoderma?

Trichoderma is a type of fungus. Various types of fungi are found in the soil of the field. Some fungi are harmful to plants and crops. At the same time, there are some fungi which are very beneficial for the crops. Trichoderma is also included in these beneficial fungi.

Crops suffer a lot due to various soil borne diseases. Fungi such as Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, Sclerocium, Sclerotinia, etc. can cause crop loss up to 30 to 80 percent. These fungi cause root rot disease, stem rot disease, udder disease, leaf spot disease, wet rot disease, rhizome rot, blight disease, scorch disease, etc. Many other diseases are caused by these fungi. Trichoderma is used as a biological fungicide to protect crops from these diseases.

There are several types of Trichoderma. Of which Trichoderma viridi and Trichoderma harzianum are the most prevalent. It is helpful in controlling various diseases by destroying the harmful fungi for the crops. Talking about chemical fungicide, it has many side effects. But the use of Trichoderma does not have any negative effect on the crops.

How to use Trichoderma

Trichoderma is used in different ways. With this seed treatment, soil treatment, root treatment and spraying of crops can also be done.

Method of seed treatment with Trichoderma: Before sowing, mix 2-4 grams of Trichoderma powder per kg of seed evenly. With this, after sowing of seeds, Trichoderma fungus also starts growing in the soil and by destroying the harmful fungi, protects the crops from diseases. If the seed is to be treated with insecticide also, then first treat with insecticide. After that use it.
Method of treatment of soil with Trichoderma: While preparing the field to treat the soil, mix 1 kg of Trichoderma powder in 25 kg of cow dung, compost or vermi compost and mix it evenly in the field. Nursery soil can also be treated with this method. (This quantity is given per acre of field.)
Method of root treatment with Trichoderma: If the seed is not treated, then prepare a solution by mixing 250 grams of Trichoderma in 15 liters of water before transplanting the plants in the main field. Soak the roots of plants in this solution for about 30 minutes. Then transplant the plants.
Method of spraying Trichoderma on crops: If symptoms of soil borne or fungal diseases are seen in the crops, sprinkle 2 to 4 grams of Trichoderma per liter of water.

Precautions while using Trichoderma

For best results, buy a Trichoderma culture from a certified institution or company.
Do not take trichoderma culture older than 6 months.
After treating the seed, keep it in a shady place. Do not expose the seeds treated with Trichoderma in the sun. The fungus present in it can be destroyed by strong sunlight.
Moisture is essential for the growth of fungus. Therefore it should not be used in dry soil.
Do not use chemical fungicide for 4-5 days after its use.
In standing crop it should be sprayed in the evening. You can also spray in the morning before the sun rises.
Do not keep it for a long time after mixing it with cow dung manure, compost manure or vermi compost.