Development of formulations of Trichoderma harzianum strain M1 for control of damping-off of tomato caused by Pythium aphanidermatum

A carbendazim resistant Trichoderma harzianum strain M1, inhibitory to the growth of the damping-off pathogen Pythium aphanidermatum was used for the development of new carrier formulations. Seven different formulations (talc, lignite, lignite + fly ash-based powder formulation, wettable powder, bentonite paste, polyethylene glycol-paste and gelatin-glycerin-gel) were developed for seed treatment. Shelf life of the formulations was evaluated under storage at 24°C up to nine months. The population of propagules was optimum in all the formulations up to three months of storage. Seed treatment with Trichoderma formulations reduced the incidence of damping-off disease of tomato up to 74% and also enhanced the plant biomass under greenhouse and field conditions. Active colonization of T. harzianum in the rhizosphere of tomato plants was observed following seed treatment with the formulations.