Potential of the indirect and direct beneficial effects of the use of Trichoderma koningii, Aspergillus niger and Mucor sp. on eggplants plants: Plant growth and systemic resistance induction

Abstract

Several pathogens fungi responsible for total yield losses are worldwide spread notably in Iraq. The alternatives strategies to decrease disease development are those able to destruct a total or partial population density using eco-friendly approach treatments. In this investigation, we demonstrate the symbiotic interaction with Trichoderma koningii, Aspergillus niger and Mucor sp. on the eggplant plants growth and development, and on the defence response induction. The results revealed that the highest fungal frequency from eggplant rhizosphere was registered for A. niger, followed by Mucor sp. and T. koningii. Seeds treatment with T. koningii showed a higher value of length of shoots (2.83 cm), roots (3.00 cm), and leaves (3.50 cm). Obtained results revealed that T. koningii ameliorates the seedling fresh (3.91 g), dry weight (0.24 g), and accelerates plant length (48.67 cm). Obtained results revealed increasing of peroxidase activity (12.53, 12.68, and 11.28 10-1 units.g.mL.min-1, respectively) and chlorophyll content (2.11, 1.70, and 1.90 mg.g-1 fresh weight, respectively) eggplants treated with combination Mucor sp. + A. niger + T. koningii, T. koningii + Mucor sp., and T. koningii alone. To control pathogens fungi within integrated management strategies, the biological control should be taken into consideration.