Diaporthe atlantica improves tomato resistance against the vascular pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

Abstract

Background Fungal pathogen attacks are a major threat to crop growth and productivity, with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici being particularly menacing to tomato plants by causing vascular wilt disease. Diaporthe atlantica is a main component of the root microbiome of Festuca rubra subsp. pruinosa, a grass that inhabits sea cliffs. This fungus can confer drought and salinity tolerance to some agricultural plant species. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Diaporthe atlantica in conferring resistance against Fusarium in tomato plants in a greenhouse experiment. Results A significant reduction in Fusarium wilt symptoms was observed in plants inoculated with Diaporthe atlantica. Furthermore, Diaporthe suppressed Fusarium colonisation, thereby mitigating vascular browning and improving plant growth, chlorophyll content and nutrient acquisition. In addition, the effect of Diaporthe atlantica on plant defence against Fusarium seems to not directly involve classical induced systemic resistance or systemic acquired resistance mechanisms. Conclusion These findings underscore the potential of Diaporthe as a biocontrol agent to enhance plant resistance against Fusarium wilt.