What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to isolate and characterize nodule-inhabiting fungi for their potential in controlling Fusarium oxysporum and promoting bean growth.

April 20, 2026Open Access

The potentiality of nodule-inhabiting fungi to control the growth of Fusarium oxysporum

Key Points

The research aims to isolate and characterize nodule-inhabiting fungi for their potential in controlling Fusarium oxysporum and promoting bean growth.
Isolation of non-rhizobial endophytic fungi from plant root nodules.
Morphological identification of fungal isolates with antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum.
Assessment of plant growth-promoting characteristics, including IAA and GA3 production, phosphate solubilization, and enzyme activities.
Conducted a pot experiment to evaluate disease control in Phaseolus vulgaris using selected fungi.
Seven out of 17 fungal isolates showed significant antagonistic activity against Fusarium oxysporum.
Talaromyces pinophilus TP-BAC1 had the highest inhibition zone of 22.5 mm.
In pot experiments, TP-BAC1 reduced the disease index from 81.7% to 15.72%, achieving 80.75% protection efficiency.
TP-BAC1 treatment enhanced chlorophyll levels, antioxidants, and membrane stability in bean plants.

Abstract

This study explored the isolation and characterization of non-rhizobial endophytic fungi (NREF) from plant root nodules, emphasizing their potential significance in the biological control of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli (Fop) and in enhancing the growth of Phaseolus vulgaris L. Seventeen fungal isolates were obtained, seven of which had substantial antagonistic activity against Fop. Morphological identification identified these isolates as Aspergillus fumigatus, Paecilomyces variotii, Talaromyces pinophilus (three isolates), Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum. All selected isolates were assessed for plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics, encompassing indole acetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA3) production, phosphate and zinc solubilization, siderophore and ammonia (NH4) generation, and hydrolytic enzyme activities. Talaromyces pinophilus TP-BAC1 had the highest performance in most traits, with an inhibition zone of 22.5 mm. In a pot experiment, this isolate significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased the disease index from 81.7% in the Fusarium treatment to 15.72% in bean plants, resulting in a protection efficiency of 80.75%. Additionally, TP-BAC1 treatment increased the amount of chlorophyll, antioxidants, and membrane stability, which helped bean plants deal with stress caused by Fusarium. The results underscore the significant potential of Talaromyces pinophilus TP-BAC1 as a sustainable biocontrol agent and biofertilizer in bean cultivation, providing an ecologically friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Mark Helpful

Bookmark

Relay

View Full Paper