PLANT CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY

This study aimed to determine the interaction ability of four isolating from rot fungi from cocoa, such as Mycena spp., Lycoperdon spp., Tremella spp., and Pleurotus spp, beside as decomposer in agricultural waste. All fungal rot isolates were collected from decayed plants from cocoa crops. Rot fungi inoculated onto cocoa pot husk waste either as a single or as a consortium and then observed the characteristics of the compost produced. Colony interaction of rot fungi was examined using a key based on the observation of Potter in the 4 categories. Percentage decrease from the weight of compost, as one of the indications of degradation by rot fungi, was calculated by measuring the final weight minus early weights divided by early weight and then multiplied with 100%. The characteristics of the compost were done by observing the color, volume, mycelium formation, and the texture of the compost. Our results showed that 67% colony interaction of rot fungi was mutually intermingling growth. The highest decrease in the weight of cocoa pod husk compost was inoculated by Lycoperdon spp. As 0.0186 g/days in 10-20 days longed of fermentation. Whereas, in the consortium, the highest weights decreased with a combination of 3 types of rot fungi, Mycena spp., Tremella spp., and Pleurotus spp. Characteristics of cocoa-colored rind were white, grey- white, yellowish-white to blackish with volume ranges between 25 - 85%. The texture was a bit rough to smooth sticky or dusty. The compost, which inoculated by Pleurotus spp, showed the highest P₂O₅, N total, and K₂O levels. This study showed that the rot fungi in the consortium could synergize and very promoting to degrade the cocoa pod husk into nutrient-rich compost.