Evaluate The Efficiency Of Trichoderma Harzianum To Protect Seed And Seedlings Of Wheat Against The Damping-Off Pathogen

Abstract

Current study aimed to evaluate the ability of the biocontrol agent Ttichoderma harzianum to protect seed and seedlings of wheat from the infection by Fusarium graminearum pathogen. The pathogenic fungus was isolated from infected spikes of wheat collected during 2019 growing season, while an isolate of T. harzianum was obtained from plant pathology laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Kufa. The pathogenicity test was carried out on the pathogenic fungus in lab and in pots to examine its pathogenicity to the seed and seedlings of wheat. T. harzianum was also tested for its ability to inhibit F. graminearum and protect wheat seeds. Results showed that F. graminearum was reduced the germination percentage sharply as it reached 0.00% in comparison with control treatment which gave about 86%. The pathogenic fungus also increased seed rot up to 100% compare to 13.33 in control. T. harzianum showed high ability to inhibit the radial growth of F. graminearum when it recorded 58.33%. While, the pathogenic fungus was reduced the germination of wheat seeds in pots to 46.33 compare to 83.33 in control. T. harzianum was increased the germination percentage and reduced seed rot in petri plates and pots and can be used as an efficient bio-agent to protect seeds and seedlings of wheat from the infection by F. graminearum.