Exploration of Trichoderma sp. endophytes in the rhizosphere of plantation plants as a starter biological control agent

Trichoderma sp. is a species of fungus that is found in almost all environmental conditions and is fast growing, a prolific producer of spores and also a strong antibiotic producer even under highly competitive environments for space, nutrients and light. Biological controls are currently being developed along with the development of organic farming activities. One biological control that can be used is Trichoderma sp. which has antagonistic properties to pathogens, especially soil pathogens and some airborne pathogens. Antagonism involves the activity of an organism in a certain way and having a detrimental effect on another organism. Antagonistic activities include competition, parasitism or predation and the formation of toxins including antibiotics. This research aims to obtain an endophytic/indigenous starter isolate of Trichoderma sp through exploration based on its morphological characters in cocoa plantations, oil palm plantations and coffee plantations. Microscopic identification was carried out using a binocular microscope, including the shape of conidia, conidiphores and fialids. The results of exploration from the three commodity plantations of cocoa, palm oil and coffee were found to be 2 types of Trichoderma obtained from 3 different locations. It is hoped that the results obtained can be identified precisely so that it is clear that the Trichoderma species produced can be used as starter biological control agents.