Effect of Trichoderma Isolates on Root Growth of Different Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Clones; Nursery Based Study

Most farmers depend on tea as a cash crop and raising it is challenging due to pathogens and other factors which lower the vigour hence production of weak vegetative propagated plants. Some Trichoderma species promote growth in a wide range of plant species by establishing robust and long-lasting colonization of the root surfaces penetrating into the epidermis and promote roots development; crop productivity and resistance to abiotic stresses. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of Trichoderma spp. isolates on development of roots and root biomass of ten selected clones. The Trichoderma spp. was isolated from forest soil (F) and tea root rhizospheres (TR) using modified Martin’s Rose Bengal Agar. Standard isolate, (Trichoderma harzinum) -T4 was from stock cultures. They were cultured, purified and characterized using cultural morphological, and microscopic characteristic. Pure cultures were multiplied using Potato Dextrose Agar and 1ml (2.0 x 106 cfu/ml) suspension used for inoculation. Experiments were set up with controls using DAP fertilizers in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Observations were made after 120 days. Data was analysed using Statistical Analysis Software (2018) and Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results showed the isolates significantly (P≤0.05) enhanced development of root and root biomass in the treated tea clones. It was concluded that Trichoderma spp. promote growth in different tea clones and hence, is recommended for use when raising cuttings in the nursery.