Exploiting the biocontrol potential of Chaetomium globosum against Fusarium solani root rot in wheat: climate-responsive phytohormonal regulation, genetic diversity, and sustainable management
摘要
Chaetomium globosum was screened for antagonism against Fusarium solani, causal agent of root rot in wheat. The pathogen was isolated from infected roots in Marsa Matrouh, molecularly characterized and deposited in GenBank (PV104190). Dual culture experiments showed the ability of C. globosum to suppress F. solani growth by 46.86%. The biocontrol fungus was also studied for its hydrolytic enzymatic activity. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) detected 28 volatile compounds in C. globosum extract; 15 were antimicrobial, including oleic acid (19.92%) and phytosterols, precursors of phytohormone biosynthesis. In vivo experiments proved that cultivar Giza 171 had the highest survival ratio across the two growth seasons (48%) with the lowest disease severity (DS) % after treatment with C. globosum. Growth parameters improved in wheat cultivars with the application of C. globosum, which was accompanied by increased levels of indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3). Genetic diversity was assessed with the assistance of SCoT and IRAP markers. UPGMA clustering separated Giza 171 in a particular cluster from other cultivars, confirming the genetic variability among the tested varieties. NGS-supported molecular profiling highlighted resistance-related QTLs, confirming genetic diversity among the tested varieties.