Efficacy of Bioinoculant <i>Trichoderma asperelloides</i> in Promoting Plant Growth in <i>Grevillea robusta</i>

This study evaluated Trichoderma asperelloides, identified through translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef1) sequence analysis, for its plant growth-promoting effects on Grevillea robusta seedlings under nursery conditions via root application. The results were statistically significant (p < 0.05) across various growth parameters. Treated seedlings exhibited significantly greater shoot length (43.05 ± 2.74 cm) compared with controls (34.45 ± 2.11 cm), improved root architecture in terms of the number of rootlets (31.05 ± 2.52 in treated plants vs. 25.58 ± 2.20 in controls), and enhanced collar diameter (0.46 ± 0.03 cm in treated plants vs. 0.40 ± 0.00 cm in controls). In conclusion, inoculation with T. asperelloides significantly enhanced the growth of G. robusta seedlings, establishing them as high-quality planting material. This bioinoculant holds great potential as a natural and eco-friendly fertilizer, contributing to sustainable and efficient forestry nursery management.