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Mycorrhizal symbiosis and application of vitamin B3-treated Trichoderma Harzianum HE24 additively trigger immunity responses in faba bean plants against Rhizoctonia root rot and promote the plant growth and yield

Summary

Researchers found that combining a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum with vitamin B3 and mycorrhizal fungi can effectively protect faba bean plants from root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani. This combined treatment boosted the plant’s natural defense systems and significantly improved plant growth and seed production. The approach offers an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for controlling this destructive plant disease.

Background

Faba bean is a valuable legume crop with high nutritional value and nitrogen-fixing ability. Rhizoctonia root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani severely affects faba bean plant growth and yield. The pathogen is highly resilient in soil and difficult to control using conventional agricultural methods.

Objective

This study evaluated the effect of symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and application of vitamin B3-treated Trichoderma harzianum HE24 on plant immune responses against Rhizoctonia root rot in faba bean plants.

Results

The combined treatment of AMF and vitamin B3-treated T. harzianum HE24 significantly upregulated defense-related genes CHI II (50.2-fold), PAL1 (13.3-fold), and HQT (37.0-fold). This treatment enhanced enzymatic activities of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase, increased phenolic content to 1402.3 mg/g fresh weight, and reduced disease severity by 80.4% while improving plant growth, photosynthetic content, and yield.

Conclusion

The additive interaction between AMF and vitamin B3-treated T. harzianum HE24 provides an effective, eco-friendly alternative for managing Rhizoctonia root rot of faba bean through enhanced biochemical defense mechanisms and metabolic activities.
  • Published in:BMC Plant Biology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMC12275348, PMID: 40681981
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