Isolation of Cold Tolerant Antifungal Strains of trichoderma sp. from Northern Hilly Zones of Chhattisgarh

Three species of Trichoderma viz., Trichoderma viride, Trichoderma harzianumand Trichoderma konengii have been isolated from the soil samples collected from forest sites in higher altitudes of Northern Hilly Zones of Chhattisgarh in Mainpat, Dist-Surguja, Chhattisgarh. The species could grow between 4 to 420 C temperatures and 3 to 13 pH on agar plates, the optimum requirement being 260 C and 5.5 Ph, respectively. Further incubation of the agar plates showing normal growth of Trichoderma species at 40C, induced heavy sporulation in three weeks of time. Induction of sporulation on exposure to low temperature appeared to be a strategy for survival of these species in extreme cold environment experiencing sub zero temperatures. Antifungal activities were demonstrated between Trichoderma species and phytopathogenic fungi in dual cultures. The antifungal metabolites produced by Trichoderma species, diffusible as well as volatile, caused abnormalities in fungal structures of pathogenic fungi. Plant growth promotion abilities of Trichoderma species was also demonstrated through a plant based bioassay in greenhouse. The study is important for documentation of microbial diversity of Northern Hilly Zones of Chhattisgarh in Mainpat, Dist-Surguja, Chhattisgarh and determination of the associated biotechnological applications