Effects of Trichoderma Application on Vegetative Growth, Biomass Allocation and Root Morphology in Red Capia Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

Yeşim Dal-Canbar

doi:10.24925/turjaf.v14i9.2565-2569.8962

Authors

Yeşim Dal-Canbar Siirt University, Faculty of Agriculture, Horticulture Department, Kezer Campus Veysel Karani Mah. University Cad. No:1 56100 Merkez/Siirt, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3806-6465

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24925/turjaf.v14i9.2565-2569.8962

Keywords:

Trichoderma harzianum , Capsicum annuum L. , Root growth parameters , Vegetative growth , Biomass

Abstract

The use of beneficial microorganisms is gaining increasing importance as a sustainable strategy to increase plant cover and lifespan. This study investigated the effects of Trichoderma harzianum T22 on vegetative growth, biomass content, and root system structure in red pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants. The study was conducted in three replicates, including control and Trichoderma applications. Detailed effects on stem diameter, stem length, leaf number, fresh and dry weight, and root morphology (root length, surface area, volume, mean diameter, Ntips, Nforks, and Ncrossing) were analyzed. The results showed that Trichoderma harzianum T22 significantly increased vegetative growth and biomass content, with a particularly pronounced increase in root dry weight. As stem diameter and leaf number increased, a more compact growth formula emerged with a decrease in stem length. Root morphology analyses revealed a significant increase in root length and a marked decrease in branching variation. These findings demonstrate that Trichoderma not only increases growth but also shifts root growth from branching to regional elongation, representing a regional phenotype. Consequently, this study provides new insights into the vegetative growth and root architectural modulation induced by Trichoderma harzianum T22 and highlights its potential for improving crop performance through root system reconfiguration.

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