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

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Abstract 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 controllingF. 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 theTrichoderma 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 ofFusariumwere significantly reduced in treated plants than the infected control. Re-isolation from plants infected withF. 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 managingF. equisetiin chickpea seeds.

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