Inoculation of tomato roots with single and mixed suspensions of Trichoderma harzianum ITEM 3636 conidia and Pseudomonas putida PCI2 cells

Abstract

Mixes of compatible beneficial microorganisms can perform better than single strains to support plant health and growth. This study examined effects of inoculating tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) roots with individual and mixed suspensions of Trichoderma harzianum ITEM 3636 and Pseudomonas putida PCI2 on growth and yield in field assays. Culture filtrates were used to observe in vitro compatibility between strains. Effects of ITEM 3636 on tomato seedlings in vitro were studied. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine root colonization by the bacterial and fungal strains. ITEM 3636 was compatible with PCI2 and improved root density in vitro. When compared to other treatments, co-inoculation of tomato plants consistently resulted in increases in the number of fruit and yield under field conditions. Co-inoculating tomato roots during transplanting with the studied microorganisms may improve plant survival and increase productivity.