M.S. Sulaiman1*, M. El-Samara1, M. Ahmed2 and N. Ali3
(1) Department of Environmental Protection, High Institute of Environmental Research, University of Latakia, Syria; (2) Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agricultural Engineering, University of Latakia, Syria; (3) Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Latakia, Syria.
*Email address of the corresponding author: [email protected]
Six types of dry formulations of Trichoderma harzianum were tested in this study. The tested formulations exhibited varying textures and colors depending on the type of materials used in the formulation. Moisture content and pH varied among the tested formulations. Shelf life tests indicated that four formulations (starch, gypsum, talc-starch, and talc-gypsum) outperformed the talc and kaolin formulations. The results obtained also indicated that the spore viability in the first four formulations was similar, with conidial spores retaining more than 90% of their viability during the first nine months of storage at 25°C. The results obtained also showed that the talc-starch formulation outperformed the other formulations when stored at 5°C, and that this formulation remained stable for approximately 18 months, after which spore viability gradually declined. The results also showed that the starch, gypsum, and talc-gypsum formulations exhibited similar spore viability over different storage periods and significantly outperformed the talc and kaolin formulations, which suffered a sharp decline after 9 months of storage at 5°C. A bio-based product was developed for the first time by mixing talc with corn starch, in addition to carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), Arabic gum, and Tween 80. The shelf life using the talc-starch formulation was extended to 18 months, with spores retaining 85% of their viability at 5°C, and to 12 months, with spores retaining 74.2% of their viability at 25°C.
Trichoderma harzianum, shelf life, spore viability, formulation.
https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001482