Combined Use of Two Trichoderma Strains to Promote Growth of Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.)

Trichoderma spp., which widely exist in nature, are always used as plant growth-promoting stimulants. However, there is little reporting about the combined use of Trichoderma strains to promote growth of plants. We explored two different Trichoderma strains (Trichoderma atroviride LX-7 and Trichoderma citrinoviride HT-1) and a mixture of the two on the growth-promoting effects of pakchoi. In this study, in vitro-promoting traits of two Trichoderma strains were determined, and six treatments were used: T. atroviride LX-7, T. citrinoviride HT-1, different mixtures of these two (1:1, 1:2 and 2:1) and no inoculation in the seed germination and pot experiment. The results showed that T.atroviride LX-7 and T. citrinoviride HT-1 had the ability of siderophore and indol acetic acid (IAA) production, and LX-7 had the capacity for potassium solubilization. The highest seed germination percentage (GP), germination energy (GE), germination index (GI), vitality index (VI) and growth of radicles and plumules was observed in the LX-7 + HT-1 (1:1) combination, the highest biomass and quality of plants was observed in the LX-7 + HT-1 (1:2) inoculation (followed by a single LX-7 or HT-1 strain inoculation), while the lowest values were obtained in the untreated seeds or plants. On the basis of this study, combined use of two Trichoderma strains had greater benefits for growth and quality of pakchoi, making this formulation attractive for future field applications.

Automated summary

The combined use of two Trichoderma strains showed greater benefits for growth and quality of pakchoi, making this formulation attractive for future field applications.