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<p>Charcoal rot, caused by <i>Macrophomina phaseolina</i> (Tassi) Goid, is a major disease of maize (<i>Zea mays</i> L.), especially under drought and high-temperature conditions, leading to significant yield losses. This study investigates the biocontrol potential of <i>Trichoderma harzianum</i> and the botanical extract of <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (neem) for managing charcoal rot and improving maize growth under pathogen-induced stress. The objectives were to: (a) assess the in vitro antagonistic activity of <i>T. harzianum</i> (TH), alone and in combination with <i>A. indica</i> (AI), against <i>M. phaseolina</i>, and (b) evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing plant growth under pathogen stress in vivo. Results showed that soil amendment with TH, AI, and their combination significantly improved maize shoot and root growth parameters length, biomass, chlorophyll content, and reducing sugar levels compared to pathogen-infected controls (<i>P</i> ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, protein content and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and peroxidase) were reduced in treated plants, indicating a mitigated stress response. FTIR analysis confirmed biochemical changes in treated plants, showing the disappearance of disease-related peaks and the appearance of new, health-associated peaks. The antimicrobial properties of neem extract inhibited fungal growth, while the combined application of TH and AI exhibited synergistic effects, reducing disease severity and promoting plant health. These findings highlight the potential of integrating biological control agents and botanical extracts as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides for sustainable maize disease management.</p>

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Exploring the potential of Trichoderma harzianum and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) in controlling charcoal rot in Zea mays. L

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月21日

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  • Ayesha Shafqat,
  • Sibgha Hanif,
  • Anza Afzal,
  • Natasha Hussain,
  • Sundus Akthar,
  • Madiha Ambreen,
  • Wasiq Ikram

摘要

Charcoal rot, caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid, is a major disease of maize (Zea mays L.), especially under drought and high-temperature conditions, leading to significant yield losses. This study investigates the biocontrol potential of Trichoderma harzianum and the botanical extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) for managing charcoal rot and improving maize growth under pathogen-induced stress. The objectives were to: (a) assess the in vitro antagonistic activity of T. harzianum (TH), alone and in combination with A. indica (AI), against M. phaseolina, and (b) evaluate their effectiveness in enhancing plant growth under pathogen stress in vivo. Results showed that soil amendment with TH, AI, and their combination significantly improved maize shoot and root growth parameters length, biomass, chlorophyll content, and reducing sugar levels compared to pathogen-infected controls (P ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, protein content and antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and peroxidase) were reduced in treated plants, indicating a mitigated stress response. FTIR analysis confirmed biochemical changes in treated plants, showing the disappearance of disease-related peaks and the appearance of new, health-associated peaks. The antimicrobial properties of neem extract inhibited fungal growth, while the combined application of TH and AI exhibited synergistic effects, reducing disease severity and promoting plant health. These findings highlight the potential of integrating biological control agents and botanical extracts as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides for sustainable maize disease management.