Heavy Metals Scavenging Potential of Trichoderma asperellum and Hypocrea nigricans Isolated from Acid Soil of Jharkhand

Trichoderma asperellum (NAIMCC-F-03167) and Hypocrea nigricans (NAIMCC-F-03168) were isolated from the acidic soil of the vicinity of Litchi orchard, Ranchi, Jharkhand and were characterized on the basis of morphological, molecular and biochemical features. Both strains are fast growing, light to dark green, highly sporulative and have ability to cover 90 mm Petri dish within 96 h of inoculation. Biochemcial estimation of both isolates indicated significant cellulase and phosphate solubilisation activity. Highest cellulase activity was observed in T. asperellum (5.63 cm) followed by H. nigricans (5.10 cm) and phosphate solubilisation index was observed maximum in T. asperellum (1.93) followed by H. nigricans (1.39). Moreover, these isolates were molecularly identified on the basis of ribosomal DNA based sequences database and phylogenetic analysis in NCBI GenBank as T. asperellum (NCBI-KM 438015) and H. nigricans (NCBI-KJ910335). Negetive effect on sporulation of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) was observed while in heavy metal scavenging potential, T. asperellum (88.9% Cd) showed highest scavenging potential followed by H. nigricans (87.2% Cd) while in Pb scavenging potential, H. nigricans (88% Pb) followed highest scavenging potential followed by T. asperellum (81.30% Pb) after 21 days of inoculation from 30 µg/ml heavy metals concentrated broth medium. If both potential bioagents can apply in Cd and Pb affected soil/water will be helpful in scavenging of heavy metals as well as management of phosphorus deficiency and soilborne fungal diseases.