Decomposition of Eichhornia Crassipes by Different Fungal Species in Chitwan Annapurna Landscape Nepal

Abstract

Water hyacinth (Eichhorniacrassipes) is considered as one of the most noxious invasive aquatic weed in almost alltropical as well assubtropical lakes or wetlands in Nepal and has negative effect on environment.The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of Eicchornia crassipes and utilize soil fungi Trichoderma, Rhizopus and Aspergillus in composting as a cheap effective manage mentoptions.In addition, the compost was used to study its effectiveness on germination and growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum)and compared with cow dung and organic manure.A study survey was done in Ghailaghari, Begnas and Rupa Lakes of Nepal. Compost was prepared using soil and water hyacinth in three different proportions in plastic bags, i.e., 50:50, 25:75 and75:25 in which 10 7 cfu/ml unit spore suspension of three fungi,i.e.,Trichoderma, Rhizopus and Aspergillusfromeach 10ml PD broth andTrichoderma from the market was inoculated. Initially,soil fungi were isolated using soil plate method and then transferred to PD broth for sporesuspension. The compost was analyzed for C, N, P,and K. Most of thepeople believe that water hyacinth has adverse environmental impacts as well as socio-economic impacts. The C, N, P, K were found higher in the compost with ratio 75:25.Rhizopus andTrichoderma treated compost showed highest percentage of Carbon, Nitrogen,Potassium and Phosphorus.Fungal species of Aspergillus,Fusarium,Trichoderma,Mucor,Penicillium and two unidentified species were employed in the composting at the control set of water hyacinth compost. Cow dung followed byTrichoderma treated pots showed highest growth of the test plant.