Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University P.O. Box 68, Hadayek Shubra 11241, Cairo, Egypt.
2
Central Lab of Organic Agriculture, Agriculture Research Center, Giza, 12619, Egypt.
10.21608/ejp.2025.436313.1163
Abstract
Strawberry crown and root rot represent major constraints to sustainable production worldwide, primarily due to infection by a complex of soilborne fungal pathogens. This study assessed the susceptibility of three commercial strawberry cultivars namely: ‘Festival’, ‘Fortuna’, and ‘Sensation’ to crown and root rot in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt. Isolation and morphological identification revealed the presence of three fungi: Macrophomina phaseolina (40%), Fusarium solani (35%), and Rhizoctonia solani (20%), with M. phaseolina being the most virulent and frequently isolated. Disease incidence peaked during warmer periods of September–October and April–May, closely associated with elevated soil temperatures. Among cultivars, ‘Festival’ showed the highest susceptibility, while ‘Sensation’ exhibited comparatively the lowest disease incidence. In vitro dual culture assays demonstrated that Trichoderma asperellum significantly inhibited mycelial growth of all tested pathogens, especially M. phaseolina. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of T. asperellum extract revealed the presence of diverse secondary metabolites, including fatty acid derivatives, and sugar alcohol, contributing to its antagonistic activities. Field application of T. asperellum reduced crown and root rot incidence by roughly 81% and significantly enhanced the plant growth and yield, particularly in the highly susceptible ‘Festival’ cultivar. The observed increase in yield was associated with remarkable biochemical changes in plant tissues, including elevated levels of chlorophylls, proteins, total phenols, and total sugars. These improvements are believed to contribute to enhanced plant resistance and productivity. These findings underscore the potential of T. asperellum as an effective biocontrol agent, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides.
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