Effect of Trichoderma harzianum on morpho-physiological parameters and metal uptake of tomato plants

Abstract

In this study we have investigated the effect of T. harzianum on growth, content of chlorophyll and epidermal flavonols and metal distribution in tomato plants. Trichoderma strain, isolated from the A horizon (5-30 cm) of agricultural soil used in organic production, was applied near the root in the sixth leaf development phase of tomato. Tomato plants were grown in a growth cabinet up to the stage of 10 leaves. Content of chlorophyll (Chl), epidermal flavonols (Flav) and antocyanins (Ant) were measured in vivo non-destructively. The concentration of Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn was measured in different parts of tomato plants by ICP-OES method. Results have shown that Trichoderma application positively affected growth of tomato plants, and significantly decreased nitrogen balance index. In Trichoderma treated plants the contents of Cr and Ni were significantly reduced in roots, while content of Cd tended to decrease in all plant parts, significantly in roots. Presented results indicate that investigated isolate is worthwhile testing for plant growth promotion in field conditions, taking in account different supply of macro and micronutrients.