In vitro Antagonistic Activity of Trichoderma asperellum and Pathogenic Profiling of Macrophomina phaseolina in Groundnut

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), a crucial leguminous crop grown worldwide, is extremely susceptible to several devastating diseases, with charcoal rot incited by Macrophomina phaseolina being significant threat. This study elaborately investigates the pathogenicity profiles of various M. phaseolina isolates and evaluates the in-vitro bioefficacy of Trichoderma asperellum as a potential biocontrol agent. Pathogenicity assays showed considerable variability in virulence among the isolates, with Mp1 having the highest disease incidence. The antagonistic potential of T. asperellum was studied using a poison food assay that showed a dose-dependent inhibition of growth of the fungus, peaking at 77.78% suppression at peak concentrations. The findings highlight the immense potential of T. asperellum is a safe, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chemical fungicides, providing a new route for integrated disease management strategies. Its strong antagonistic mechanisms, such as mycoparasitism, resource competition, and secondary metabolite production, make it a key tool for improving crop resilience and promoting sustainable groundnut cultivation practices.