Effect of Trichoderma spp on Plant Height of Local Rice Varieties in the Early Phase of Growth

Abstract

Shoots are important organs in plant growth, because the process of photosynthesis occurs in shoots, especially in plant leaves. Application Trichoderma as a bio fertilizer can increase the growth of shoots of various plants including superior varieties of rice plants. On the other hand, local rice varieties characterized by relatively slow growth Local varieties have not received sufficient attention of researchers to increase their growth. This has an unfavorable impact on preserving that variety in the field. This study aims to evaluate the response of local rice varieties to the application of Trichoderma spp in the seedbed and after transplanting. Two-factor factorial experiment was designed with a completely randomized design. Factor A consisted of 5 local rice varieties and Factor B consisted of 8 isolates and one control. Local variety was obtained from the West Sumtera region and the Trichoderma isolate came from the rhizosphere of lowland rice plants in Solok Regency and upland rice in West Pasaman. Application of Trichoderma spp is done by soaking the seeds with Trichoderma spp isolate. Response of plant height growth to isolates was observed when in the nursery at 2 weeks old and 2 weeks after transplanting. Data were processed by analysis of variance and Duncan's follow-up test at a significance of 5%. The results showed that plant height is influenced by variety when in the seedbed, but was not affected by the application of Trichoderma spp. Although there was no interaction, plant height after transplanting was influenced by varieties and isolates. The best isolate to increase plant height is KRT with an average height of 86.1 cm compared to a control of only 81.5 cm.