Multifunctional effects of Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on phytopathogen suppression and induction of plant defense responses

Claudia Regina Barbieri; Maira Cristina Schuster-Russiano; Sérgio Miguel Mazaro; Lilian de Souza Vismara; Samara Bau Morgan; Camila Natacha Salvadori

doi:10.17268/

Authors

Claudia Regina Barbieri Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Paraná, Brazil.
Maira Cristina Schuster-Russiano SRM Brazil Technology, Startup incubated at the Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Paraná, Brazil.
Sérgio Miguel Mazaro Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Paraná, Brazil.
Lilian de Souza Vismara Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Paraná, Brazil.
Samara Bau Morgan Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Paraná, Brazil.
Camila Natacha Salvadori Federal University of Technology – Paraná (UTFPR), Paraná, Brazil.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17268/

Keywords:

beneficial microorganisms, induced resistance, hydrolytic enzymes, microbial antagonism, disease management

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) is one of the most important agricultural crops worldwide, and sustainable disease management is essential for maintaining productivity and environmental safety. This study evaluated the potential of a biological product composed of Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma asperellum, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a biocontrol agent, plant growth promoter, and inducer of defense responses in soybean. Experiments were conducted under laboratory, greenhouse, and field conditions, including in vitro antagonism assays against major soybean phytopathogens, seed physiological quality tests, plant growth analyses, assessment of biochemical defense responses, and evaluation of powdery mildew severity. Data were subjected to analysis of variance or non-parametric tests when appropriate. The biological agents exhibited high antagonistic activity against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Rhizoctonia solani, Macrophomina phaseolina, Diaporthe longicolla, and Fusarium tucumaniae, with distinct mechanisms of action among the microorganisms. Seed physiological quality and plant growth parameters were not significantly affected by the treatments. Biochemical analyses revealed increased chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase activities at specific evaluation periods. Under greenhouse conditions, the biological treatments reduced the powdery mildew progress rate, although complete disease suppression was not achieved. The biological product demonstrated consistent potential for antagonism against phytopathogens and induction of defense-related enzymes in soybean.

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