Trichoderma harzianum isolate AKH-5 enhances defense response in Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp. against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum and promotes plant growth

Trichoderma harzianum isolate AKH-5 enhances defense response in Cajanus cajan (L.) millsp. against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum and promotes plant growth

This study investigates the integrated role of Trichoderma harzianum isolate AKH-5 as a plant growth-promoting and biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, the causative agent of wilt in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeon pea). AKH-5 significantly inhibited fungal mycelial growth in...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Anil Hugar, Sreenivasa Nayaka
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:The Microbe
Subjects:
Fusarium wilt
GC-MS
VOCs
Plant growth attributes
Pathogenicity
Planta colonization
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2950194625002225
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Summary:This study investigates the integrated role of Trichoderma harzianum isolate AKH-5 as a plant growth-promoting and biocontrol agent against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. udum, the causative agent of wilt in Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. (pigeon pea). AKH-5 significantly inhibited fungal mycelial growth in vitro (91.73 %), with SEM analysis revealing pathogen hyphal damage. Chemical profiling (GC–MS and FTIR) identified functional groups and metabolites-such as alcohols, long-chain esters, sterols, and cyclic sulfur- associated with antifungal activity and plant health enhancement. In addition to volatile and soluble bioactives, AKH-5 produced IAA, siderophore, ammonia, ACC deaminase, and hydrolytic enzymes (e.g., amylase, gelatinase, chitinase, cellulase, glucanase) and oxidative enzyme (catalase), confirming its growth-promoting attributes. Hypersensitivity assays validated its non-pathogenic nature. A talc-based AKH-5 formulation improved seed germination ( 93.21 ± 0.33 %) and vigour index ( 1202), while greenhouse trials confirmed enhanced seedling growth, chlorophyll content, and reduced disease severity. These findings position AKH-5 as a multifunctional bioinoculant, offering a sustainable solution for enhancing crop productivity and managing soil-borne diseases.
ISSN:2950-1946

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