Date 3/1/91

Title of Project Evaluation of Trichoderma Harzianum for Rhizophere Competency in Plug Production of Selected Bedding Plants

Institution where work is being conducted University of Missouri/Columbia

Amount of Endowment Grant $ 5940
Covering Period Jan. 1, 1991 to Dec. 31, 1991

Anticipated Date of Project Completion/Final Report December 31, 1991

Individual(s) Conducting Project:

(List Project Leader First)

John M. Brown - Title Asst. Professor

Telephone Number 314-882-9627

Byoung Ryong Jeong - Title Post doctoral fellow

Gye Soon Jeong - Title Ph.D. student

Evaluation of Trichoderma Harzianum for Rhizophere Competency in Plug Production of Selected Bedding Plants

John M. Brown, Byoung Ryong Jeong, and Gye Soon Jeong

University of Missouri-Columbia

Progress Report to the American Floral Endowment, 3/1/91

A. Project Objectives:

The objectives of this research are 1) to examine whether

Trichoderma harzianum applied to plug mixes is carried to and effective in

cellpacks and 4 inch pots and 2) to investigate the feasibility of applying T.

harzianum as a seed coating treatment for biological control of plant diseases

in plug production.

B. Summary of Work Conducted:

Work on this project was begun Feb. 1, 1991.

1. As a preliminary experiment to study objective 2 above,

Trichoderma conidia either coated on seeds or prepared in peat-bran

formula were placed on 2 layers of cheese cloth and were watered.

Trichoderma. Population density was then measured.

2. To examine Trichoderma dispersal via the irrigation water or

Trichoderma development on organic matter, an experiment was conducted

using 25 cm long PVC pipes, with sampling holes every 5 cm and containing

Sunshine Mix #5, and population density was examined.

C. Results to Date:

1. Sufficient density (to conduct experiment) of Trichoderma came off

from coated seeds by first irrigation.

2. Trichoderma did not disperse via the irrigation water in a

significant density, but developed well on organic matter in the soilless

media.

D. Future Plans Covered by the Endowment Grant:

Experiments will be conducted beginning March 16, 1991 to study

the relationship between plant growth enhancement and changes in

population density of T. harzianum in the rhizosphere of plug and cellpack

production systems of selected bedding plants.

E. Anticipated Benefits for Floral Industry:

Greatly reduced use of pesticide and increased production by use of

Trichoderma as a seed coating or as an incorporation into a plug mix.

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