Effects of solid matrix priming with Trichoderma harzianum on seed germination, seedling emergence and photosynthetic capacity of eggplant

The effects of solid matrix priming with strain T22 of Trichoderma harzianum on seed germination, seedling emergence and photosynthetic capacity in two eggplant varieties were evaluated. Seed were primed by mixing with vermiculite and the T. harzianum wettable powder (WP) suspension at a rate of 1:3:3.2 (fresh weigh basis, respectively) at 15°C for 7 days in the dark, then primed seed were dried. Solid matrix priming (SMP) with T. harzianum increased seed germination vigor, germination index and seedling emergence, decreased mean emergence time, enhanced seedlings quality and photosynthetic characteristics of eggplant. The result indicates that SMP with T. harzianum could serve as an effective way to improve seeds germination and seedling emergence and promote plant growth of eggplant.   Key words: Solid matrix priming, Trichoderma harzianum, germination, seedling vigor, photosynthetic capacity, eggplant.