Field application of Trichoderma spp. combined with thiophanate-methyl for controlling Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum in dry bean

Abstract

BackgroundDamping-off and root rot/wilt diseases caused by the soil-borne fungi Fusarium solani and F. oxysporum are a serious problem of dry bean productions in Egypt. This study examines the potential of controlling these diseases biologically by using three Trichoderma isolates, compatible with the fungicide thiophanatemethyl, i.e., T. harzianum, T. viride, and T. virens. Soil application with inoculants containing these isolates employed either alone or in combination with seed coating with thiophanate-methyl was applied.ResultsUnder greenhouse and field conditions, all treatments significantly reduced the incidence of damping-off and root rot/wilt diseases and increased the percentage of survival plants. These treatments increased vegetative growth parameters and yield components of the survival dry bean plants compared with untreated control. Soil application with Trichoderma isolates combined with thiophanate-methyl seed treatments was more effective than using both of them individually. Meanwhile, T. virens + thiophanate-methyl was the most effective treatment. The tested treatments stimulated systemic defense responses in dry bean plants by activating defense enzymes including peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and chitinase.ConclusionsBased on the obtained results, compatible isolates of Trichoderma spp. as soil treatment combined with thiophanate-methyl as seed treatment may have potential to develop a new biofungicide for integrated management of damping-off and root rot/wilt diseases in dry bean.