*2.4. Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Trichoderma spp.*

The identification of fungi was carried out based on the cultural and microscopic properties using standard manuals [38]. By using a Chromous genomic DNA isolation kit, the genomic DNA of the microbial sample was isolated following the protocol as described by the manufacturer. PCR amplification was carried using universal 18S primers. The obtained sequences were deposited in

NCBI GenBank and an accession number was obtained [39]. The GenBank accession numbers are as follows: *Trichoderma harzianum* (PGT4) MH429899.1, *Trichoderma reesei* (PGT5) MH429901.1, *Trichoderma reesei* (PGT13) MH429900.1.
