Biocontrol of fungal phytopathogens is an important aspect of Trichoderma spp. In this study among fifty Trichoderma isolates, T. cerinum Gur1 showed best antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (a major constraint to chickpea production worldwide) and was selected for understanding the biocontrol mechanism. The selected isolate Gur1 showed production of lytic enzymes (endoglucanase, chitinase and protease), peptaibol antibiotics, indole acetic acid (IAA), siderophore and phosphate solubilization activities. To detect the exact mechanism of biocontrol, SDS-PAGE analysis and chemical nature of biocontrol compound(s) was determined. SDS-PAGE analysis of enzyme sample from culture of Gur1 (grown in F. oxysporum cell wall supplemented medium) showed bands of 60, 29, and 42 kDa corresponding to 尾-1,3-glucanases, and chitinase, respectively. Effect of heat and protease treatment analysis showed that 尾-1,3-glucanases, chitinase and peptaibols play role in biocontrol of F. oxysporum. The photomicrograph of pathogen hyphae from the zone of inhibition also showed the function of both lytic enzymes and peptaibols in biocontrol. However, results clearly showed that the peptaibols have major role in biocontrol of F. oxysporum. In vivo results showed growth promotion and wilt disease suppression of chickpea by T. cerinum Gur1. Chickpea seeds treatment with Gur1 caused 13.33 and 58.33% enhancement in dry weight over control in absence and presence of F. oxysporum, respectively.
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