Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effects of Biological Agent (Trichoderma), Chemical Agent (Beltanol), and Nanocoatings (Nano-Chitosan) in Controlling Fusarium solani Fungus)

Among the isolated pathogens, isolate F۴ exhibited the highest virulence, significantly impairing seed germination. In vitro antagonistic assays on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) revealed that Trichoderma harzianum (T۲), T. longibrachiatum (T۱), and T. harzianum (T۳) demonstrated substantial antagonistic activity (۸۱.۶۷% each) against F. solani. Beltanol showed inconsistent inhibition of Trichoderma isolates, with T۱ being among the most resistant, while F. solani was highly sensitive (۷۴.۴۶%). Complete inhibition of all fungal isolates was achieved at ۱.۰۰ mL/L of Beltanol. Nano-chitosan exhibited dose-dependent antifungal activity, particularly against F. solani (۶۷.۳۰%). Combined treatments demonstrated synergistic effects; the integration of Beltanol, nano-chitosan, and Trichoderma spp. resulted in the highest germination rate (۹۷.۷۰%), reduced disease incidence, and improved root and shoot dry weights—parameters critical for fruit quality and postharvest shelf life. Furthermore, this combined approach enhanced the activity of plant defense enzymes, which are key to maintaining fruit integrity during storage and transport. The highest peroxidase (POD) activity (۵.۳۰ units/mg) was observed in the Trichoderma spp. + F. solani treatment, while maximum catalase (CAT) activity (۱.۸۵ units/mg) was recorded in the Trichoderma spp. and F. solani treatment. The highest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (۱.۷۴ units/mg) was achieved with the combination of Beltanol, F. solani, and nano-chitosan. These findings suggest that an integrated approach combining chemical, biological, and nano-based interventions offers a sustainable strategy for controlling F. solani infections, thereby improving tomato fruit quality, reducing postharvest losses, and enhancing food safety throughout the supply chain.

کلیدواژه ها:

Trichoderma ، Fusarium solani ، Chitosan ، Tomato ، Beltanol ، Postharvest decay ، Food safety