title: Formulation of Trichoderma sp. SL2 inoculants using different carriers for soil treatment in rice seedling growth.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Trichoderma sp. SL2 has been previously reported to enhance rice germination, vigour, growth and physiological characteristics. The use of Potato Dextrose Agar as carrier of Trichoderma sp. SL2 inoculant is not practical for field application due to its short shelf life and high cost. This study focuses on the use of corn and sugarcane bagasse as potential carriers for Trichoderma sp. SL2 inoculants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A completely randomized design was applied for this study. Trichoderma sp. SL2 suspension mixed with corn and sugarcane bagasse were used as treatment mixture in soil. Growth parameters including rice seedling height, root length, wet weight, leaf number and biomass were measured and compared to control. The results showed that Trichoderma sp. SL2 mixed with corn significantly enhanced rice seedlings root length, wet weight and biomass compared to Trichoderma sp. SL2 mixed with sugarcane bagasse and control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Corn can be a potential carrier for Trichoderma spp. inoculants for field application.
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Febri
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Doni
authors.affiliation: School of Environmental and Natural Resources Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Anizan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Isahak
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Che Radziah
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Che Mohd Zain
authors.affiliation: Paddytech Resources, 22000 Jerteh, Terengganu D.I, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Salwati
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohd Ariffin
authors.affiliation: Centre for General Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Wan Nur'ashiqin
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Wan Mohamad
authors.affiliation: School of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor D.E, Malaysia.
authors.forename: Wan Mohtar
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Wan Yusoff
keywords: Corn; Inoculant carrier; Rice growth; Sugarcane bagasse; Trichoderma sp.