Fungus and Nanoparticles Team Up to Protect Barley from Disease

David Palenski
19th February, 2024

Fungus and Nanoparticles Team Up to Protect Barley from Disease

In vivo effect of T. cf. asperellum and TiO2 NPs against B. sorokiniana infection on barley plants

Image adapted from: Metwally et al. / CC BY (Source)
Spot blotch, a fungal disease caused by Bipolaris sorokiniana, significantly reduces barley yields globally. Traditional disease management relies on chemical fungicides, but concerns about environmental impact and the development of fungicide-resistant pathogens are driving research into alternative, biological control methods. Researchers at Zagazig University[1] have investigated a combined approach using a beneficial fungus, Trichoderma cf. asperellum, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) to combat this disease and boost plant defenses. The study focused on leveraging natural mechanisms to protect barley. Trichoderma fungi are known for their ability to suppress plant pathogens through various means, including competition for resources and direct attack on the fungal invader[2]. This research builds on the understanding that these fungi can act as biocontrol agents, offering a ‘green’ alternative to synthetic pesticides. The use of nanomaterials in agriculture is also gaining traction as a way to deliver targeted treatments and enhance plant health, reducing the need for broad-spectrum chemicals. The researchers first confirmed the identity of the Trichoderma cf. asperellum strain used, employing both visual examination of its growth characteristics and genetic analysis of its ribosomal DNA. They found it exhibited strong activity against B. sorokiniana, inhibiting its growth by over 57%. Furthermore, compounds released by the fungus – present in its cell-free culture – were particularly effective. Simultaneously, they created titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) using a process involving Aloe vera extract, ensuring the particles were between 10-25 nanometers in size and had a specific crystalline structure. These nanoparticles also demonstrated a direct inhibitory effect on B. sorokiniana growth in laboratory settings, with larger concentrations of nanoparticles resulting in greater inhibition. To test the combined effectiveness, barley plants were treated with either T. cf. asperellum, TiO2 NPs, or a combination of both, before being exposed to B. sorokiniana. The results showed that both treatments, individually and combined, protected the plants from disease symptoms and promoted healthy growth. This aligns with previous research highlighting the importance of a three-way interaction between the plant, the pathogen, and the biocontrol agent, all influenced by environmental factors[3]. The treated plants also exhibited improved physiological characteristics, including higher chlorophyll content – a key indicator of plant health. The study went further to investigate how these treatments affected the plant’s own defense mechanisms. Plants treated with T. cf. asperellum or TiO2 NPs showed enhanced tolerance to the pathogen, and reduced growth inhibition. This suggests that the treatments weren’t just preventing the fungus from growing, but also strengthening the plant’s ability to resist infection. This is consistent with findings that certain microorganisms can ‘prime’ plant defenses, making them more responsive to future attacks[2]. The researchers observed that the treatments boosted the plant’s innate immune system, leading to improved overall health and productivity. This work emphasizes the potential of combining biological control agents like Trichoderma with innovative technologies like nanomaterials to create sustainable and effective disease management strategies for barley and potentially other crops. The findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of biocontrol as a safe alternative to traditional chemical pesticides[4].

AgricultureBiotechPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Trichoderma cf. asperellum and plant-based titanium dioxide nanoparticles initiate morphological and biochemical modifications in Hordeum vulgare L. against Bipolaris sorokiniana.

Published 17th February, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12870-024-04785-3

Related Studies

2) Trichoderma: The Current Status of Its Application in Agriculture for the Biocontrol of Fungal Phytopathogens and Stimulation of Plant Growth.

https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23042329

3) Review: Utilization of antagonistic yeasts to manage postharvest fungal diseases of fruit.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2013.09.004

4) Biocontrol of early blight disease of eggplant using endophytic Aspergillus terreus: improving plant immunological, physiological and antifungal activities.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40529-022-00357-6


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