The Potential use ofTrichoderma VirideStrain FRP3 in Biodegradation of the Herbicide Glyphosate

A Trichoderma strain was isolated and then identified as Trichoderma viride strain FRP3 based on colony morphology, cell morphology and 18S rRNA analysis. The optimum temperature for growth of T. viride strain FRP3 was found to be 25–27°C. This Trichoderma strain could grow well in a wide range of pH (pH 4–6.5) and the optimum pH was 5 and 5.5. Trichoderma viride strain FRP3 was also evaluated in vitro for potential use in bioremediation of soils contaminated with the herbicide glyphosate, through observation of the growth profiles and the total phosphorus in culture medium containing glyphosate as the sole phosphorus source. The growth profiles of Trichoderma viride strain FRP3 showed considerable growth in culture medium containing glyphosate as the sole phosphorus source. This result was supported by the decrease in the total phosphorus, which indicates a utilization process for glyphosate and perhaps shows that there may be a mechanism for degradation of this compound. This study indicates that the treatment of soil with Trichoderma viride strain FRP3 could be useful in some areas where this herbicide is extensively used.