Biological control of bacterial wilt in tomato through the metabolites produced by the biocontrol fungus, Trichoderma harzianum

Background Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt disease in tomato and other crops resulting in huge economic losses worldwide. Several measures have been explored for the control of R. solanacearum, but the desired control level of the disease through sustainable and ecofriendly way is still awaited. Main body In this study, fungal metabolites produced by Trichoderma harzianum were investigated in the form of crude extract for the management of R. solanacearum both in vitro and in planta in tomato plants. In in vitro investigation, fungal metabolites were checked for their antibacterial potential at different concentrations (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 mg ml(-1)) and bacterial cell morphology was observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a greenhouse experiment, different application times (0, 3, and 6 days before transplantation DBT) and doses (0, 3, 6, and 9%) of the fungal metabolites were tested for their effects on soil bacterial population, disease severity and plant growth of tomato plants. The in vitro evaluation showed a strong antibacterial activity of fungal metabolites in concentration dependent manner. The highest concentration 180 mg ml(-1) produced maximum inhibition zone (20.2 mm) having non-significant difference with the inhibition zone (20.5 mm) produced by the standard antibiotic streptomycin. The SEM analysis revealed severe morphological destructions of bacterial cells. In case of greenhouse experiment, the highest decrease in soil bacterial population, lowest disease severity, and maximum increase in plant growth parameters were obtained by highest dose (9%) and longest application time (6 DBT). Conclusion The fungal metabolites produced by T. harzianum could be used as low-cost, environment-friendly, and sustainable management strategy for the control of R. solanacearum in tomato plants.

Automated summary

The study showed that fungal metabolites produced by Trichoderma harzianum could serve as a low-cost, environmentally friendly, and sustainable management strategy for controlling R. solanacearum in tomato plants. The in vitro and greenhouse experiments demonstrated strong antibacterial activity of these metabolites, leading to significant reductions in soil bacterial population, disease severity, and improvements in plant growth parameters.