Enhancing Freesia (Freesia armstrongii) Growth and Yield through Trichoderma-Mediated Biocontrol of Fusarium Wilt

The current research explored the biocontrol ability of two strains of Trichoderma fungi on infected Freesia corm by Fusarium disease. Enhancements in plant growth and performance were evaluated in response to the Trichoderma fungi in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Laboratory experiments included five Trichoderma strains, i.e., T۱, T۲۰, and Th۴, related to T. harzianum species, T۲ related to T. atroviride species, and Tvi related to T. virens species. A dual culture test and investigation of the inhibition and colonization rate were carried out with ۱۱ treatments in three replications. Results revealed that strains T۱ and T۲ completely covered the pathogen in ۹۶ h of culture by ۷۰.۰۲% and ۶۸.۹۸% and successfully inhibited the colonization of the disease agent by ۸۴.۵۳% and ۸۲.۷۲%, respectively, compared to the other strains. Then, a greenhouse experiment was performed with eight treatments, using suspensions of Trichoderma strains separately or combined with the presence of Fusarium fungus isolate on Freesia cultivation. The results showed that the strains at different levels were able to increase the growth and yield of Freesia plants and control Fusarium disease. In general, the T۲ strain was more effective in increasing plant growth and flower stem height in Freesia. The T۱ strain specifically improved the corm diameter. Both T۱ and T۲ strains demonstrated effectiveness in controlling and reducing the severity of Fusarium disease and enhancing the growth quality of Freesia.

کلیدواژه ها:

Biocontrol ، Isolates ، ornamental plants ، pathogen ، Probiotic ، Strains