Evaluation of Trichoderma Asperellum Mass Production and Shelf Life in Talc Formulation

Abstract— Anthracnose of chilli has been reported to cause more than 50 % of yield loss in Malaysia. The popular approach for disease management of chilli is by the integration of several practices such as cultural, mechanical, chemical and biological control. With the current awareness of the importance of healthy and natural product, more chilli farmers and consumers are showing interest on safer pest and disease control practices. In this study, Trichoderma asperellum has been identified as an excellent biocontrol agent against Colletotrichum spp, the causal agent of anthracnose disease. To be able to be used in the field, it was mass-produced and then formulated in talc. Studies on liquid substrates for mass production of T. asperellum and shelf life for the talc formulation were conducted to evaluate the spore viability. Results showed formulation added with 5% glycerol gave highest initial colony forming unit (CFU) (2.33x 108) of T. asperellum and retained the spore count at 1.12 x 106 after 120 days of storage.