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Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol of Pythium ultimum by Saline Tolerant Trichoderma Isolates Under Salinity Stress

Summary

This research investigated how certain beneficial fungi can help protect plants and promote their growth even under stressful salty conditions. The researchers found that three different strains of Trichoderma fungi could effectively protect melon plants from disease and enhance their growth despite high salt levels in the soil. This has important real-world implications: • Reduces the need for chemical pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture • Helps crops grow better in areas affected by soil salinity • Provides more sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming solutions • Could improve food production in regions with poor soil conditions • Demonstrates natural alternatives to harmful agricultural chemicals

Background

The growing concern for food safety and environmental sustainability in cultivation systems has led to increasing restrictions on pesticide residues in fruit and vegetable production. This has created a need for new crop protection tools not based on chemical control. While biological control of pests has advanced, disease control still relies heavily on agrochemicals. The use of microorganisms as biological control agents (BCAs) is key for production with fewer pesticide residues and greater food safety. Many BCAs also act as plant growth promoters, which could help address pollution from excessive fertilizer use.

Objective

The study aimed to: 1) evaluate salt tolerance of three Trichoderma isolates from different sources, 2) assess their in vitro antagonistic capacity against Pythium ultimum, 3) study their ability to promote melon seedling growth under increasing salinity, and 4) evaluate their biological control of P. ultimum disease in melon seedlings under salt stress conditions.

Results

The marine isolate T. longibrachiatum showed no growth inhibition at any salt concentration tested. T. saturnisporum and T. aggressivum showed reduced growth at higher salt levels. All three isolates demonstrated significant antagonism against P. ultimum and promoted plant growth even under saline stress. They reduced disease severity by 51-74% at 0 g/L NaCl. T. longibrachiatum maintained the highest disease control (44.11% reduction) even at 2 g/L NaCl.

Conclusion

The three Trichoderma isolates effectively promoted plant growth and reduced P. ultimum root rot in melon seedlings under saline stress conditions. This is the first report of T. aggressivum f. sp. europaeum as a plant growth promoter and biological control agent. The application of these isolates could greatly benefit horticultural crops in both seedbeds and greenhouses.
  • Published in:International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
  • Study Type:Laboratory and Greenhouse Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijerph16112053
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