Effects of Talaromyces purpureogenus on Cucumber Growth Promotion and Its Mechanism

Abstract

Some fungi may promote plant growth by production of siderophores, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and phosphorus dissolving capability. In this study, eight fungi were isolated from the mushroom substrate, and their siderophores production, IAA production and phosphorus dissolving traits were determined. Although there was no significant difference in IAA production among the eight fungi, but the strain M13026-2 was a fungus with strong growth promoting traits compared with other seven fungi. In order to study the correlation between the growth promoting effect of cucumber pot culture and the above three traits, five fungi with different strength of traits were tested in pot. As a result, M13026- 2 which was identified as Talaromyces purpureogenus could significantly improve the growth parameters of cucumber seedlings, and could colonize in the rhizosphere soil and the tissue of cucumber stably. All the results suggested that the most relevant to their ability to promote plant growth is the trait of phosphorus dissolving, followed by siderophores production. The results of this study will provide scientific basis for the efficient selection and identification of a large number of fungi resources with the function of promoting plant growth, and reveal the good application potential of T. purpureogenus in agriculture fields.