Production of Trichoderma viride in Local Organic Substrates of the Ica Region, Peru

Currently, in the face of attacks by pests and diseases in agricultural crops, new biological control strategies have been developed through the use of antagonistic fungi, of which the genus Trichoderma stands out. The objective of this research was to select the best organic substrate for the production of the species Trichoderma viride. Eight solid substrates were evaluated for the production of conidia of T. viride, with incubation at 20°C or 25°C and photoperiod 12 h light / 12 h dark for 13 days. The variables evaluated were density (number of conidia/g of substrate), percentage of germination, and purity of conidia. The best substrate, in which the highest number of conidia was obtained, was the dried lima bean shell at 5, 9 and 13 days of evaluation, under production at 20°C. There was no statistically significant difference in the germination percentage and purity among the substrates evaluated. The best substrate regarding cost/benefit was the dried lima bean shell. It is concluded that this substrate is a new candidate for use in the production of T. viride by allowing a yield of 2 × 109 conidia/g at 20°C on day 5 and for being of lower economic value compared to whole rice.