Production of Trichoderma harzianum K179 bioagent for maize diseases control: complete laboratory stage bioprocess development

Abstract

Aims In order to be competitive on the market, the production of biopreparations needs to be optimized, modeled and assessed in the early stages of its development. The aim of this paper was to optimize medium for the production of Trichoderma harzianum K179 biocontrol agent, to analyze its kinetics at enlarged laboratory scale and finally economic analysis of the production of this high-value product through simulation modelling. Methods and Results The results showed that the bioprocess of T. harzianum K179 bioagent production in a laboratory bioreactor on the medium with optimal composition (dextrose 10 g l−1, soy flour 6.87 g l−1, K2HPO4 1.51 g l−1, KCl 0.5 g l−1 and MgSO4 x 7H2O 0.5 g l−1), at stirring speed of 1.75 x g and aeration intensity of 1.5 vvm, can be shortened from 96 h to 36 h. The results of bioprocess economic analysis showed that with a 25-year project lifetime and investment payback time of 7.58 years, this project represents an economically viable system. Conclusions Complete analysis of the bioprocess of Trichoderma harzianum K179 biocontrol agent production showed that the biologically produced preparation can be competitive on the market with synthetic preparations.