**2.2 Methods to identify species in** *Trichoderma* **2.2.1 Morphological analysis**

Different laboratories have used a variety of media culture for morphological observations in *Trichoderma*. In general, a relatively simple media, such as malt extract agar 2% (MEA), is useful for the production of conidia and the observation of complex branching conidiophores (macronematous). A rich culture medium such potato dextrose agar (PDA) is useful for observing pigment production and harvesting mycelium to isolate DNA. Conidiophore structure and morphology is observed from conidiophores taken from the edge of conidiogenous pustules or fascicles when conidia were maturing (usually after 4-7 days of incubation). The morphology and size of conidia should be observed at maturity after approximately 14 days of growth (Bissett 1984, 1991a, b, c, 1992; Gams and Bissett, 1998). The preliminary identification of species or species aggregates based on characteristic morphologies can be attempted using keys and descriptions in the available taxonomic literature (e.g. Gams & Bissett, 1998).
