Microbial degradation of Diospyros melanoxylon biomass by Trichoderma atroviride for plant growth promotion of finger millet

Utilisation of microbial inoculants as decomposers of plant biomass could be a sustainable approach for environmental management of biowaste and improving agricultural productivity. Malabar Ebony, locally known as 'Kendu' (Diospyros melanoxylon) is one of the dominant plant species in the Eastern Ghats of India having great economic value where the leaves are used to prepare 'traditional cigarette' in this region. The production process results in accumulation of leafy wastes causing environmental concerns. To address this issue, a native Trichoderma atroviride WCF2 strain was employed for enhanced degradation of Kendu leaves to further observe its growth promoting effects on finger millet (Eleusine coracana) landrace. The fungus exhibited degradation of Kendu leaves biomass with extracellular production of cellulase, pectinase and amylase enzymes demonstrating enhanced organic matter decomposition. The semi-digested biomass was having higher compost characteristics, with percentage of TC, TN, TH TS and moisture content of 31.96%, 1.03%, 5.05%, 0.863% and 71.31% respectively, C:H ratio of 6:32, C: N ratio of 30:88 and C: H:N ratio of 31.96:1.03. Pot experiments showed T. atroviride WCF2 treated biomass increased 39% plant height and 66% grain weight along with other plant growth parameters in millet landrace. This is the first report of T. atroviride being utilised for Kendu leaf waste management and growth promotion in millet landraces. Thus, this native fungus could be utilised for improvement in the soil nutrients, crop enhancement and agroecosystem of tribal farmers along with conservation of crop landraces in biodiversity rich site like Koraput, designated as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS).