Effect of Trichoderma Species on Seed Borne Fungi of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br) Using Dual Culture Technique

Background and Objective: Millets are susceptible to fungi diseases resulting in high postharvest losses.To minimize these losses, there is a need for effective and eco-friendly control measures towards these pathogens.Thus, the study was carried out to investigate the effect of Trichoderma species on seed-borne fungi of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) in Makurdi.Materials and Methods: Pearl millet seeds were collected from three markets in the Makurdi metropolis namely, Wurukum, Railway, and High-Level Markets, and taken to the Botany Laboratory of the Benue State University for the isolation of fungi.Soil samples from millet plantations in the Apir area of Makurdi were collected in polythene bags and taken to the Laboratory for the isolation of Trichoderma species.The standard blotter method was employed for the detection and isolation of seed-borne fungi in pearl millet and the serial dilution technique was used for the isolation of Trichoderma from soil samples.The effect of Trichoderma koningii on the radial growth of isolated fungi was carried out using a dual culture technique.Data collected from the study were analyzed using Chi-square and t-test.Means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% level of significance.Results: The study identified four seed-borne fungi in pearl millet: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Fusarium sp.A significant location-based variation in fungal occurrence was observed, with Aspergillus flavus being the most prevalent.Seed germination showed no significant difference across locations.Fungal growth was significantly reduced when paired with Trichoderma koningii, with Rhizopus stolonifer showing the highest reduction in growth compared to other fungi.Conclusion: Trichoderma koningii proved to be an effective bio-control agent as it inhibited the radial growth of fungi isolates and can be employed in plant disease management.Therefore, T. koningii should be employed for seed treatment and industries should be created by the Government and relevant stakeholders where Trichoderma isolates can be formulated and produced on a commercial scale for farmers.