Would trichoderma affect seed germination and seedling quality of two muskmelon cultivars, khatooni and qasri and increase their transplanting success?

Abstract

In order to investigate effect of Trichoderma harzianum Bi on seed germination and seedling quality and field establishment of two muskmelon cultivars, Khatooni and Qasri, different tests was done at greenhouse and field. 4 concentration of trichoderma solution, control (0), 25%, 50% and 100% (Mazhabi 2010) in a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design and ten replications with 10 seeds in each replication placed in Petri-dishes to evaluate germination percentage and germination index. Emergence tests were carried out in seedling trays which were filled with enriched coco peat in 4 different concentrations, and then emergence percentage and index calculated during two weeks. Four weeks after emergence of first seedling, 5 seedlings per replication were selected randomly and shoot length and diameter, length of longest root and total dry weight of plugs measured. , successful transplantation percentage (STP) evaluated using two methods of trichoderma application in 4 different concentrations. Results show that trichoderma application significantly increased germination and emergence percentage and index and could help improving seedling health and vigor.STP was significantly affected by trichoderma application and 1st method of application had better results.