Exploring the efficacy of aTrichoderma asperellum-based seed treatment for controlling Fusarium equisetiin chickpea

Autor: Adnani, Manal, El Hazzat, Naila, Msairi, Soukaina, El Alaoui, Moulay Abdelaziz, Mouden, Najoua, Selmaoui, Karima, Benkirane, Rachid, Ouazzani Touhami, Amina, Douira, Allal
Zdroj: Egyptian Journal of Biological Pest Control; December 2024, Vol. 34 Issue: 1
Abstrakt: Background: Chickpea plant (Cicer arietinumL.) is an important legume crop that is vulnerable to various fungal pathogens causing significant yield losses. Among them, Fusarium equisetiis a pathogen that has started to raise concern. In contrast, Trichodermaspecies have been explored for their ability to control such pathogens. In this study, the efficacy of a novel seed treatment formulation was explored for controlling F. equisetiin chickpea plants. The formulation was designated to enhance growth in chickpea plants as well as the ability to protect plants from infection. In addition, this formulation was tested for its effectiveness in maintaining the conidia of the antagonist in the soil after sowing. Results: Applying the Trichoderma asperellum-based formulation promoted growth, as well as root and aerial biomass. In seedlings derived from treated seeds, the shoot length increased by 36.8%, and the average number of leaves also increased than the control. Following evaluation of disease severity and the foliar alteration index (FAI), a protective effect was noted, as the symptoms of Fusariumwere significantly reduced in treated plants than the infected control. Re-isolation from plants infected with F. equisetiwas successful in the roots (72.7%), root crown (84.5%), stem (64.4%), and even in petioles (36.1%). Conclusions: Due to both direct antagonist activity and indirect growth promotion ability, the findings suggested that tested formulation can be a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing F. equisetiin chickpea seeds.
Databáze: Supplemental Index