Variation in growth and fatty acid contents of trichoderma viride induced by herbicides

Summary

Effect of paraquat and trifluralin on the growth of a Kuwaiti soil isolate, Trichoderma viride has been studied. The former herbicide inhibited the growth of the microorganism while the latter had little effect on its growth pattern. An analysis of the fatty acid pattern after interaction of the microorganism with paraquat revealed a consistent decrease in the saturated fatty acids content while a consistent increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids was observed. A possible explanation for the changes in fatty acids of the organism is offered.