The endophytic fungus Serendipita indica colonization protects chickpea plants against Fusarium wilt disease

Authors : Sercan Pazarlar, Eray Şimşek

Pages : 449-459

Doi:10.20289/zfdergi.1461733

View : 46 | Download : 33

Publication Date : 2024-12-16

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of Serendipita indica, a basidiomycete endophyte, as a biological control agent against Fusarium wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris in disease susceptible chickpea cultivar JG62. Material and Methods: Chlamydospores of Serendipita indica were applied to the roots of the germinated JG62 variety, followed by inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris race 5 one week after the application. Disease severity and plant fresh weight were measured 25 days after inoculation. The colonization pattern of Serendipita indica and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris were monitored by quantifying fungal DNA using qPCR over time. The antagonistic interactions between the fungi were determined using the dual-culture method. Results: Serendipita indica successfully colonized the chickpea roots leading to a decrease in biomass of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris in the roots and diminished the overall symptoms such as wilting and yellowing caused by Fusarium infection. Besides, direct antagonistic effect of Serendipita indica was found against Fusarium in vivo conditions. Conclusion: These results indicate the potential of Serendipita indica as a biological control agent in developing sustainable strategies for managing Fusarium wilt of chickpea.
Keywords : Biyolojik kontrol, fungal endofit, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris, bitki savunması ajanı, Serendipita indica

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