MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Synergistic curative effects of Trichoderma hamatum and Rumex dentatus against Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of tomato leaf spot disease

Summary

This research discovered that combining a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma hamatum with an extract from Rumex dentatus plant effectively controls tomato leaf spot disease. When used together, these natural treatments reduced disease by over 88% and even outperformed commercial fungicides. The combined treatment also boosted plant health by increasing growth and natural defense mechanisms, offering farmers an affordable and environmentally safe alternative to chemical pesticides.

Background

Tomato leaf spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata is a significant agricultural problem leading to economic losses. Traditional fungicide management raises environmental and health concerns including soil contamination and pathogen resistance. Natural biocontrol agents like Trichoderma species and plant extracts offer sustainable alternatives.

Objective

This study evaluated the synergistic effects of Trichoderma hamatum and Rumex dentatus extracts against Alternaria alternata-induced tomato leaf spot disease. The research aimed to identify the most effective isolates and plant extracts and assess their combined efficacy under greenhouse conditions.

Results

Ham34 (Trichoderma hamatum) showed the highest antagonistic activity with 76.3% growth inhibition in dual culture. Rumex dentatus extract achieved 68.5% inhibition at 2000 µg/mL, with rutin, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid as primary constituents. The combined Ham34 + RD treatment reduced disease incidence to 11.1% and severity to 16.7%, outperforming Ridomil Gold fungicide.

Conclusion

The synergistic combination of Trichoderma hamatum and Rumex dentatus provides an effective, eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fungicides for managing tomato leaf spot. Enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities and biochemical defense responses demonstrate improved plant vigor. This approach offers a low-cost, sustainable disease management strategy.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1700051, PMID: 41451272
Scroll to Top