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Investigating the activity of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum to mitigate Fusarium wilt disease of diverse cultivars of Vicia faba

Summary

Fava beans are damaged by a fungus called Fusarium that causes wilting and crop loss. Scientists tested two beneficial microorganisms—Trichoderma harzianum and Bacillus subtilis—as natural alternatives to chemical fungicides. Trichoderma worked better, reducing disease by over 70% while also boosting plant health and bean production in two different fava bean varieties.

Background

Vicia faba is an economically important legume crop in Egypt serving as a major protein source. Fusarium verticillioides causes destructive wilt disease in faba beans, leading to significant yield losses of 5-100%. Traditional management methods using chemical fungicides are costly and environmentally problematic, necessitating alternative biocontrol approaches.

Objective

This study evaluates the comparative efficacy of Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum as biological control agents against Fusarium verticillioides in two Vicia faba cultivars. The research aims to determine the therapeutic potential of each bioagent and assess their effects on plant physiology and yield components.

Results

T. harzianum showed superior antifungal activity with 68.20% mycelial inhibition compared to B. subtilis (45.88%). T. harzianum significantly reduced disease incidence to 25% in both cultivars with protection percentages of 70.58% and 72.22%. Both bioagents increased photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzymes, nodule formation, and yield components compared to infected controls.

Conclusion

Both B. subtilis and T. harzianum demonstrate high efficacy as environmentally friendly biopesticides against Fusarium verticillioides, with T. harzianum showing superior performance. These bioagents suppress pathogen growth while promoting overall plant health, nodulation, and yield recovery, offering sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-99381-2; PMID: 40341439
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