Optimizing Cattle Manure Incubation Method with Trichoderma sp. Starter for Contamination Control

The successful production of Trichoderma sp. starter cultures requires an appropriate medium and controlled environmental conditions to support mycelial growth and prevent contamination. This study evaluated the effect of sterilized sugar solution volume and lid type on the success rate of Trichoderma sp. starter incubation in a cattle manure medium. Our experimental design included two treatments: Starter A used 50 mL of sugar solution with an open container (no lid), while Starter B utilized 10 mL of sugar solution with a two-layer sterile gauze as a porous lid. Visual observations were conducted over 21 days, monitoring mycelial growth, medium color changes, and contamination. Results showed that Starter B exhibited mycelial colonization from day one, achieving green sporulation by day 14 without any signs of contamination. Conversely, Starter A showed indicators of anaerobic fermentation, including a pungent odor and larval infestation by day 5, which significantly inhibited Trichoderma sp. growth. These findings suggest that an incubation method with a lower sugar solution volume and a porous lid effectively maintains optimal moisture, aeration, and medium sterility.