Vol. 48

Title:
The Benefits of Trichoderma and Mycorrhizas in Growing Media

Author:
Michael S.I. Brooke

pp: 151-153

Abstract:
INTRODUCTION

Trichoderma and mycorrhizas have been present in natural plant ecosystems for millions of years. In its natural environment Trichoderma resides in the decaying plant litter and humus in the soil profile. McPherson and Hunt (1995) state: It acts as a mycoparasite or saprophyte to establish a niche for itself often at the expense of the fungi which it may use as an alternative source of nutrients. Trichoderma has been clearly demonstrated actively parasitising basidiomycete fungi including Rhizoctonia solani, Armillaria mellea, and Chondrostereum purpureum. Researchers in the U.S.A. have confirmed that Trichoderma does not interfere with either beneficial Pseudomonas soil bacteria nor does it upset the mycorrhizal fungi's assistance of nutrient uptake by plant roots.

Mycorrhiza is from Greek derivation "mycor" meaning fungus and "rhiza" meaning root, hence fungus - root (Jasper, 1997). Mycorrhizas form a very intimate association with plant roots of up to 80% of plant families

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