Fungi with enzymatic action against fungal diseases and growth promoting in wheat

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important cereal crop in the world. In Brazil, there is a socio-economic interest in increasing wheat production to supply the national demand, since its import still represents almost half of local consumption. Wheat diseases have affected the increase in its production. Some fungi, including Trichoderma species and Aspergillus japonicus, have shown promise in biological control of the pathogens. The antagonistic activity of these species against plant pathogens has been studied extensively. This research aimed at evaluating the productivity in the field, seedling development, spot blotch, gibberella and rust severity, along with the activity of the enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), β-1,3-glucanase (GLU), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in wheat plants under soil inoculation of different fungal pathogens. When used alone, A. japonicus allowed some development of the diseases, but still it protected 25 % more than the control. The inoculation of T. tomentosum and T. viride (combined) led to the lowest severity of fungal diseases of wheat, while the inoculation of T. tomentosum (singly) resulted in the greatest development of wheat seedlings. Fungi also increased wheat yield. PAL, POD and SOD activities were higher under soil inoculation of T. tomentosum, while the activity of GLU was more expressive under inoculation of T. tomentosum and T. viride (combined).