article · Scientific Reports
Leaf spot disease in tomatoes, caused by the fungus Alternaria alternata, poses a persistent challenge to agriculture amidst growing concerns over synthetic fungicide resistance. An evaluation of six biocontrol candidates identified Trichoderma afroharzianum isolate TRI07 as the most effective at restricting pathogen hyphal growth through both volatile compounds and liquid extracts. In greenhouse experiments, applying TRI07 forty-eight hours before pathogen inoculation reduced disease incidence by 44.44% and disease severity by 16.66%. Beyond disease suppression, the treatment enhanced plant growth parameters, raised chlorophyll levels, and boosted the activity of antioxidant defence enzymes. Analysis of treated leaves also revealed increased accumulations of beneficial phenolic acids and flavonoids. The findings demonstrate that TRI07 acts both by directly suppressing the fungal pathogen and by stimulating natural defensive and physiological responses in tomato plants.
Fungal plant diseases threaten food production, while repeated use of synthetic fungicides leads to pathogen resistance and environmental harm. Identifying natural fungal strains that protect crops provides a sustainable alternative. This work shows how a beneficial microorganism can curb a damaging pathogen while triggering the tomato plant's own immune defences and promoting growth, supporting cleaner crop management techniques.
The work identifies an applied biocontrol candidate for integrated pest management, targeting agricultural producers and crop protection companies. While greenhouse testing demonstrated disease reduction and growth promotion, the technology remains at an applied research stage. Developing a viable commercial product will require formulating stable biofungicides or biofertilisers, followed by extensive open-field trials and regulatory registration for agricultural use.
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Identifying a viable substitute for the limited array of current antifungal agents stands as a crucial objective in modern agriculture. Consequently, extensive worldwide research has been undertaken to unveil eco-friendly and effective agents capable of controlling pathogens resistant to the presently employed fungicides. This study explores the efficacy of Trichoderma isolates in combating tomato leaf spot disease, primarily caused by Alternaria alternata. The identified pathogen, A. alternata Alt3, was isolated and confirmed through the ITS region (OQ888806). Six Trichoderma isolates were assessed for their ability to inhibit Alt3 hyphal growth using dual culture, ethyl acetate extract, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) techniques. The most promising biocontrol isolate was identified as T. afroharzianum isolate TRI07 based on three markers: ITS region (OQ820171), translation elongation factor alpha 1 gene (OR125580), and RNA polymerase II subunit gene (OR125581). The ethyl acetate extract of TRI07 isolate was subjected to GC-MS analysis, revealing spathulenol, triacetin, and aspartame as the main compounds, with percentages of 28.90, 14.03, and 12.97%, respectively. Analysis of TRI07-VOCs by solid-phase microextraction technique indicated that the most abundant compounds included ethanol, hydroperoxide, 1-methylhexyl, and 1-octen-3-one. When TRI07 interacted with Alt3, 34 compounds were identified, with major components including 1-octen-3-one, ethanol, and hexanedioic acid, bis(2-ethylhexyl) ester. In greenhouse experiment, the treatment of TRI07 48 h before inoculation with A. alternata (A3 treatment) resulted in a reduction in disease severity (16.66%) and incidence (44.44%). Furthermore, A3 treatment led to improved tomato growth performance parameters and increased chlorophyll content. After 21 days post-inoculation, A3 treatment was associated with increased production of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, SOD, and PPO), while infected tomato plants exhibited elevated levels of oxidative stress markers MDA and H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. HPLC analysis of tomato leaf extracts from A3 treatment revealed higher levels of phenolic acids such as gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, syringic, and coumaric acids, as well as flavonoid compounds including catechin, rutin, and vanillin. The novelty lies in bridging the gap between strain-specific attributes and practical application, enhancing the understanding of TRI07's potential for integrated pest management. This study concludes that TRI07 isolate presents potential natural compounds with biological activity, effectively controlling tomato leaf spot disease and promoting tomato plant growth. The findings have practical implications for agriculture, suggesting a sustainable biocontrol strategy that can enhance crop resilience and contribute to integrated pest management practices.
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DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52301-2
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