Synergistic effect of Trichoderma viride enriched rotary drum compost and vermicompost extracts against fungal phytopathogens

Abstract

Compost extracts offer sustainable alternatives to agrochemicals for plant disease management. This study assessed the bioefficacy of rotary drum compost (RDC) and vermicompost (VC) extracts, with and without enrichment by Trichoderma viride, against fungal phytopathogens. Molecular identification of fungal phytopathogens confirmed the isolates belongs to Aspergillus spp. Compost extracts were prepared using three different extraction treatments. In vitro dual culture assays revealed highest mycelial inhibition (up to 90.52 %) in enriched compost extracts. Enrichment with T.viride significantly increased mycelial inhibition, with compost type and extraction method having a significant effect than pathogen species. In vivo assays in Vigna radiata seedlings further confirmed enhanced disease suppression and seedling growth promotion. The enriched vermicompost extracts exhibited the highest root and shoot lengths, germination index (98 %), and lowest disease incidence (≤10 %). These findings demonstrate the potential of T. viride-enriched compost extracts as effective, eco-friendly bioproducts for integrated disease management and plant growth promotion.