Macrophomina phaseolinaalters the biochemical pathway inVigna radiatachastened by Zn²⁺and FYM to improve plant growth

Abstract

Mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] is an important cash pulse crop extensively cultivated in the arid region of Pakistan, which encounters intimidating charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. The current research was conducted to check the potential of Zn (1.25, 2.44 and 5 mg kg −1) and FYM [farmyard manure (1% and 2%)] in mono-, bi-and trilateral interaction in managing disease and improving yield. Suppression of plant immunity by M. phaseolina was indicated by the change in activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and SOD) and cell wall strengthening enzymes (POX and PAL) that revealed inability of the protein receptor to identify the pathogen elicitor. FYM improved soil physicochemical properties and beneficial microbes activity, which released antimicrobial protein-and plant defense-stimulating protein and in response to ROS (reactive oxygen species) signaling molecules plant susceptibility was reduced. However, Zn as a co-factor chastened the ROS in stressed cells by upregulation of antioxidant enzymes in favor of the plant. The complex interaction of FYM and Zn potentially hijacked the further multiplication of pathogen. Finally, soil amendment improved biological attributes and grain yield to profitable farming in terms of harvest index percentage and benefit-cost ratio.

Crosstalk of Zn in Combination with Other Fertilizers Underpins Interactive Effects and Induces Resistance in Tomato Plant against Early Blight Disease

“…The net outcome of Zn fertilization, therefore, might result in a faster and stronger induction of basal defense mechanisms through genetic or biochemical modifications in tomato plant upon exposure to A. solani . Likewise, Khan et al (2018) suggested that Zn (2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg) fertilization significantly reduced charcoal rot disease and improved biological attributes in mung bean through altering physiological and biochemical attributes.…”

“…Basal application of Zn (2.5 & 5.0 mg/kg) alone and in combination with other nutrients (NPK, Mg & B) exhibited the excellent impact on the reduction of EB disease intensity, along with improvement in health and stress markers, however, 5.0 mg/kg Zn dose showed more promising results. Zn as a micronutrient helps to induce resistance in the plant against A. solani because it is a critical nutrient for several vital biological functions in plants like photosynthesis, growth regulation, sugar formation, seed production and defense mechanisms ( Khan et al, 2018 ). Zn may induce its toxic effect on A. solani through effecting its metabolism and enzymatic activity as reported earlier on other microorganisms by Zn nanoparticles ( Chai et al, 2015 ; Shen et al, 2015 ).…”

“…In plant metabolism, a key role is played by zinc (Zn) contributes in various reaction as enzyme co-factor like energy transfer, redox reactions, and stabilization of ribosomal fractions for protein synthesis ( Mathpal et al, 2015 ; Noulas et al, 2018 ). Numerous researches suggested that the proper application of Zn enhances the growth and productivity in a diverse range of crops including beans, chickpea, maize, rice, cotton and wheat ( Khan et al, 2018 ; Khattak et al, 2016 ; Rehman et al, 2018 ). Furthermore, disease incidence and severity in numerous crops has been reported to be reduced by using Zn based supplements that induces resistance and elicits various defenses enzymes like peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) against pathogen ( Khan et al, 2018 ).…”

“…Numerous researches suggested that the proper application of Zn enhances the growth and productivity in a diverse range of crops including beans, chickpea, maize, rice, cotton and wheat ( Khan et al, 2018 ; Khattak et al, 2016 ; Rehman et al, 2018 ). Furthermore, disease incidence and severity in numerous crops has been reported to be reduced by using Zn based supplements that induces resistance and elicits various defenses enzymes like peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) against pathogen ( Khan et al, 2018 ). In comparison to the chemical fungicides, the use of Zn could be an alternative strong, economic and self-maintaining disease control approach ( Dimkpa and Bindraban, 2016 ).…”

“…Therefore, B and Mg application may help in activating self-defense mechanism in tomato plants against early blight pathogen ( Huber et al, 2012 ). Although macro (NPK) and other essential micro-nutrients (B and Mg) have been found effective, a combined effect of Zn with these nutrients can improve its benefits by altering plant-defense mechanism ( Anees et al, 2016 ; Dewdar and Rady, 2013 ; Khan et al, 2018 ).…”