Trichoderma spp. and its effects on seeds physiological quality and seedlings development of African mahogany

Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that can be used in both the control of phytopathogens and in promoting germination and plant growth. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of five Trichoderma isolates (T09, T12, T52, Tc and Tce) in seven different application modes on seeds and seedlings of the Khaya ivorensis A. Chev. (African mahogany). Fungi applications were tested by microbiolization of the seeds, in the pre-planting substrate, by monthly applications in the seedlings and in four combinations of these three treatments. Under laboratory conditions, the germination, germination speed index (GSI), and radicle and hypocotyl lengths were evaluated in seeds, treated and untreated, with Trichoderma. In the nursery, it was evaluated the height, root collar diameter, number of leaflets, root length, and the dry weight of root system and aerial part in seedlings with different forms of Trichoderma application. Trichoderma isolates did not influence germination percentage, GSI and radicle length. The fungus application methods in the K. ivorensis seedlings increased the height and leaflets number of the plants by at least one of the Trichoderma isolates tested in this study.