In-Vivo Evaluation of Competitive Parasitic Ability and Rhizosphere Colonisation of Different Trichoderma Isolates

The ability of Trichoderma species to colonize and establish themselves in the rhizosphere is of crucial importance to achieve efficient control of phytopathogens around the seeds and the roots (Baker 1991; Papavizas 1985). Some Trichoderma strains, described as rhizosphere competent and can cause an asymptomatic infection of roots, behave as endophytes, colonizing the root epidermis and outer cortical layers and release bioactive molecules, responsible for increased plant resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses through induced or acquired systemic resistance (McLean et al., 2005; Shoresh et al., 2010). The competitive parasitic ability of Trichoderma spp. using International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 5 Number 4(2016) pp. 32-38 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com