Biocontrol of Ascochyta blight by Azospirillum sp. depending on the degree of resistance of chickpea genotypes

Abstract

Throughout arable land that was devoted to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L. (Family: Leguminosae) production, Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta rabiei (Pass.) L. (Order: Sphaeriales; Family: Mycosphaerellaceae) is a widespread disease that would lead to significant loss of chickpea yield. This study's purpose was to explain the responses of a resistant chickpea cultivar (ICC 12004) and a susceptible cultivar (Bivanij) in terms of disease resistance, disease symptoms appearance and expression pattern of two defence‐related genes (DEF0442 and Snakin2) after the Azospirillum brasilense seeds inoculation. In this research, the Snakin2 gene expression was affected by Azospirillum inoculation. The gene expression has been enhanced in plants inoculated with Azospirillum in both cultivars in comparison with non‐inoculated plants, but this change in ICC 12004 and Bivanij were significant and non‐significant, respectively. Although, Azospirillum would up regulate the DEF0422 gene expression in ICC 12004, but it would down regulate the expression of this gene in Bivanij. A. brasilense inoculation decreased the A. rabiei disease severity, regardless of the chickpea cultivar. Bivanij still could be classified as susceptible, even if treated with A. brasilense.

The Importance of Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture—A Review

“…Lycopersicon esculentum -enhanced seed germination ratio, seedling length, and dry and fresh weight under salt stress [21] Azospirillum brasilense Cicer arietinum -increased resistance to Ascochyta rabiei via induction of plant defense-related genes (Snakin2 and DEF0422) [22] Azospirillum lipoferum Triticum aestivum -improved germination, plant growth, higher chlorophyll content, and improved membrane stability under salt stress -increased production of SOD and osmolytes, i.e., proline, soluble protein, and sugars under salt stress [23] Azotobacter spp.…”