Enhancement of some key physiological, morphological and biochemical traits of watermelon induced by Trichoderma harzianum fungi

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2020v41n5supl1p2047

Keywords:

Citrullus lanatus, Chlorophyll content, Growth and quality, Photosynthetic activity.

Abstract

A pot study was performed under greenhouse condition to check the possibility that using Trichoderma harzianum could improve the growth, production and quality of watermelon genotype. Plant growth medium inoculated with T. harzianum at 1 × 104 cfu, 1.25 × 104 cfu and 1.50 × 104 cfu respectively, while un-inoculated with fungi used as control treatment. Plant growth medium inoculated with higher concentration (1.50 × 104 cfu) of T. harzianum significantly increased plant root and shoot length and brings early flowering. The higher values of plant fresh and dry weight, leaf area, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, net photosynthesis rate and number of fruit per plant of watermelon was obtained with 1.50 × 104 cfu. However, T. harzianum levels of 1.50 × 104 cfu and 1.25 x 104 cfu produced statistically similar results for carbohydrate content, total soluble solids, vitamin A content and ?-carotene of watermelon. It was observed that plant grown in growth medium inoculated with T. harzianum has direct relation with growth and quality of watermelon. Compared to all tested levels, the higher level of T. harzianum 1.5 × 104 cfu is the most effective in improving growth, yield and quality of watermelon genotype (cv. Sugar baby).

Author Biographies

Hasnain Waheed, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.

Muhammad Awais Khan, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha

Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.

Hafiz Muhammad Tayyab Khan, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha

Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.

Muhammad Mansoor Javaid, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha

Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan.

Faiz Ur Rahman, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.

Muhammad Muzammal Aslam, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

Zhengzhou Fruit Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.

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Published

2020-08-07

How to Cite

Waheed, H., Khan, M. A., Khan, H. M. T., Javaid, M. M., Rahman, F. U., & Aslam, M. M. (2020). Enhancement of some key physiological, morphological and biochemical traits of watermelon induced by Trichoderma harzianum fungi. Semina: Ciências Agrárias, 41(5supl1), 2047–2060. https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2020v41n5supl1p2047

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