Cultivating a greener future: Exploiting trichoderma derived secondary metabolites for fusarium wilt management in peas.

This study aimed to identify efficient Trichoderma isolate(s) for the management of Fusarium wilt in peas. Four different pea germplasms (Sarsabz, Pea-09, Meteor and Supreme) were evaluated for resistance against Fusarium oxysporum in pot assay. Resistant germplasm exhibits a varying range of disease severity (23%) and percent disease index (21%), whereas susceptible and highly susceptible germplasm exhibit maximum disease severity (44-79%) and percent disease index (47-82%). The susceptible germplasm Meteor was selected for in vivo experiment. Five different Trichoderma spp. (Trichoderma koningii, T. hamatum, T. longibrachiatum, T. viride, and T. harzianum) were screened for the production of hydrolytic extracellular enzymes under in vitro. In-vitro biocontrol potential of Trichoderma spp. was assayed by percentage inhibition of dry mass of Fusarium oxysporum pisi (FOP) with Trichoderma spp. metabolite filtrate concentrations. Maximum growth inhibition was observed by T. harzianum (50-89%). T. harzianum metabolites in filtrate conc. (40%, 50%, and 60%) exhibited maximum reduction in biomass and were thus used for in vivo management of the disease. The pot experiment for in-vivo management also confirmed the maximum inhibition of FOP by T. harzianum metabolites filtrate at 60% by reducing disease parameters and enhancing growth, yield, and physiochemical and stress markers. Trichoderma strains led to an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoids (34-26%), Total phenolic 55%, Total protein content 60%, Total Flavonoid content 36%, and the increasing order of enzyme activities were as follows: CAT > POX > PPO > PAL in all treatments. These strains demonstrate excellent bio-control of Fusarium wilt in pea via induction of defense-related enzymes. The present work will help use Trichoderma species in disease management programme as an effective biocontrol agent against plant pathogens.

Sole and combined effect of foliar zinc and arbuscular mycorrhizae inoculation on basmati rice growth, productivity and grains nutrient.

Mismanagement in foliar fertilizer application at different crop stages decreases the productivity of the crop. Likewise, higher application of phosphorus (P) beyond recommended application rates not only decrease zinc (Zn) uptake in rice but also increase fertilizer use cost. Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizae (AMF) may optimize the uptake of P and improve crops production via organic secretions. That's why the current study was conducted to examine the individual and coordinated effects of 0.5% Zn (0.5Zn) foliar spray (tillering (T) and/or panicle (P) initiation stage) and AMF application. Application of foliar 0.5Zn at tillering+panicle stage remained significantly better for significant enhancement in plant height, spike length, gas exchange attributes and total chlorophyll contents than control. A significant decrease in electrolyte leakage Also validated the effectiveness of treatment 0.5ZnT+P compared to control. Compared to control, the maximum increase in N (14.5 and 25.7%), P (42.1 and 33.3%), K (22.2 and 30.0%) and Zn (19.3 and 27.8%) accumulation was also found in 0.5ZnT+P, with and without AMF, respectively. In conclusion, 0.5ZnT+P with AMF is a better approach than sole application of Zn at tillering or panicle initiation stages. Nevertheless, more investigations are suggested at field level under variable climatic zones to confirm the effectiveness of 0.5ZnT+P with AMF for improvement in rice growth and production.