Optimization of medium composition for production of biocontrol agent Trichoderma harzianum

Abstract

Maize is the most important field crop in Serbia. This agricultural crop, like others, is susceptible to infection by a number of pathogens. Among the most important pathogens, Helminthosporium carbonum and Penicillium spp. were mentioned. Protection of maize from fungal pathogens is mainly controlled by the application of fungicides which are known to have a negative impact on the environment. However, the discovery of new, biological ways of protection would enable a significant reduction of negative effects on the environment and human health. The usage of microorganisms in biological protection is becoming very important, especially in organic and integral production. Trichoderma is certainly a genus that has great potential in protecting plants from fungal pathogens, so the aim of this research was to optimize the medium composition for the production of Trichoderma harzianum biocontrol agent effective against the maize pathogens, H. carbonum and Penicillium sp.