Exploring the efficacy of a Trichoderma asperellum-based seed treatment for controlling Fusarium equiseti in chickpea

Abstract

Background Chickpea plant (Cicer arietinum L.) is an important legume crop that is vulnerable to various fungal pathogens causing significant yield losses. Among them, Fusarium equiseti is a pathogen that has started to raise concern. In contrast, Trichoderma species 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. equiseti in 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 Fusarium were significantly reduced in treated plants than the infected control. Re-isolation from plants infected with F. equiseti was 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. equiseti in chickpea seeds.

Identification of Fusarium spp. Associated with Chickpea Root Rot in Montana

“…Although it appeared infrequently (2%) in our study, it has been documented in chickpeas from different global regions. Recent research in Canada, Morocco, and Iran has demonstrated that this species causes wilt and root rot in chickpeas [18,55,56]. The presence of F. equiseti in multiple geographic areas underscores its potential significance in chickpea pathology.…”

“…Given that F. avenaceum has a broad host range and can infect small grain crops such as barley, wheat, and canola [19,40], alternative non-host crops for this aggressive species must be incorporated into crop rotation programs. Previous studies [50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62] highlighted the need for identifying sources of resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceri.…”