The Role of a New Compound Micronutrient Multifunctional Fertilizer against Verticillium dahliae on Cotton

Abstract

Verticillium dahliae Kleb., the causal pathogen of vascular wilt, can seriously reduce the yield and quality of many crops, including cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). To control the harm caused by V. dahliae, considering the environmental pollution of chemical fungicides and their residues, the strategy of plant nutrition regulation is becoming increasingly important as an eco-friendly method for disease control. A new compound micronutrient fertilizer (CMF) found in our previous study could reduce the damage of cotton Verticillium wilt and increase yield. However, there is little information about the mode of action of CMF to control this disease. In the present study, we evaluated the role of CMF against V. dahliae and its mechanism of action in vitro and in vivo. In the laboratory tests, we observed that CMF could inhibit hyphal growth, microsclerotia germination, and reduce sporulation of V. dahliae. Further studies revealed that the biomass of V. dahliae in the root and hypocotyl of cotton seedlings treated with CMF were significantly reduced compared with the control, and these results could explain the decline in the disease index of cotton Verticillium wilt. Furthermore, those key genes involved in the phenylpropanoid metabolism pathway, resistance-related genes defense, and nitric oxide signaling pathway were induced in cotton root and hypocotyl tissue when treated with CMF. These results suggest that CMF is a multifaceted micronutrient fertilizer with roles in inhibiting the growth, development, and pathogenicity of V. dahliae and promoting cotton growth.

Antifungal effects of volatile organic compounds produced by Trichoderma koningiopsis T2 against Verticillium dahliae

“…Due to the stable dormant structure microsclerotia, long-term variability, and coevolution with host plants ( Ju et al, 2020 ; Höfer et al, 2021 ; Starke et al, 2021 ), controlling the spread of Verticillium wilt in plants remains challenging using currently available methods, such as chemical control, genetic breeding, and optimization of the cropping pattern ( Ostos et al, 2020 ; Ramirez-Gil and Morales-Osorio, 2021 ; Zhang Y. L. et al, 2021 ). Disease resistance breeding is limited by a long breeding cycle and a lack of natural resistance resources, and chemical control has no beneficial effect on the control of soil-borne diseases ( Diaz-Rueda et al, 2021 ; Hanika et al, 2021 ; Sunico et al, 2022 ).…”

Effects of different fertilizers on nutrient quality and mineral elements in different economic forage groups in Qilian Mountain alpine meadows

“…P, Cu, Se, Zn, and other elements are essential nutrients for plants and livestock, and forage is a direct source of various nutrients for livestock. A lack or an excess of any elements may lead to unhealthy plants or prevent their growth and development, thus decreasing grassland biomass and forage nutritional quality, according to previous studies ( Saurabh et al, 2017 ; Yuan et al, 2016 ; Zhang et al, 2021 ). CP and DMD are important indicators with which to evaluate feed value and nutritional quality, which have direct impacts on livestock productivity and economic value ( Huo et al, 2006 ).…”

Sewage Sludge Biochar Effects on Phytopathogenic Fungi and Beneficial Microorganisms

“…The use of fertilizer containing micronutrients, including zinc and manganese, has been proposed as an alternative to control Verticillium dahliae Kleb. [45]. These authors demonstrated by in vitro assay that these chemicals were responsible for mycelial growth inhibition, reduction of melanin production and microsclerosis of V. dahliae, in addition to associating this effect to the factor of certain micronutrients being also observed in inorganic fungicides.…”