Trichoderma viride-Mediated Modulation of Oxidative Stress Network in Potato Challenged with Alternaria solani

Potato is a staple food crop cultivated globally. Heavy losses to potato production are reported annually due to soil borne phytopathogens. Trichoderma viride is a potential biocontrol agent that improves host defense. In the present study, potato tubers bio-primed with T. viride were studied for its effect on growth promotion and modulation of antioxidant system as well as defense-related enzymes in potato plants when challenged with Alternaria solani. Potato tubers treated with T. viride and after 45 days of sowing, plants were challenged with pathogen. Significant improvement in various growth parameters was recorded in bio-primed plants. While, in pathogen-challenged plants, an enhanced intracellular concentration of H2O2 and O-2(-) was observed. Interestingly, T. viride when applied with pathogen, significantly improved the redox homeostasis by modulating the antioxidant enzyme activities. The significant induction of defense enzymes and free phenolic content suggested that T. viride-treated plants provide enhanced protection from oxidative stress induced during A. solani challenge via. elevated accumulation of antioxidant enzymes, polyphenolic compounds, and defense-related enzymes.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effect of Trichoderma viride on potato plants, focusing on growth promotion and modulation of the antioxidant system and defense-related enzymes. The results showed that potato tubers bio-primed with T. viride exhibited significant improvements in growth parameters and enhanced protection against oxidative stress induced by Alternaria solani.