Trichoderma viride inoculated in the growing medium for the vitamin C increase in the leaves of Kalanchoe spp. and defense against Pithyum sp.

The article presents the results of research on succulents such as Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe tubiflora and Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, aimed at improving plant growth and defense against the pathogenic fungus Pythium sp., through the use of Trichoderma viride inoculated in the medium. Objectives of the work were: 1) use Trichoderma viride to assess whether the use of this endophytic fungus can increase the growth rate of Kalanchoe pinnata, Kalanchoe tubiflora and Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri, plants generally slow in their growth cycle; 2) evaluate if using Trichoderma viride can lead to an increase in vitamin C content in the leaves of Kalanchoe spp.; 3) assess and evaluate how the use of Trichoderma viride allows greater protection of the roots from Pithyum sp. which often affects the roots of these succulents. The two experimental groups in cultivation were: i) group without Trichoderma spp., irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group with Trichoderma viride, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized.

The test showed a significant increase in agronomic parameters analyzed in plants treated with Trichoderma viride. In fact, all plants treated showed a significant increase in height and number of leaves per plant, vegetative and root weight of plants, number and weight of new shoots, total number of germinated seeds/ 100 seeds sown and a significant reduction in average germination time. In addition, plants treated with Trichoderma show an increase in leaf vitamin C content, dry mass and a reduction in plant mortality due to Pythium sp.

Tricoderma can also optimize the use of fertilizers and water by facilitating the cultivation of plants in certain locations subject to biotic and abiotic stress.