Sustainable Management of Fusarium Wilt in Cotton through Biological Applications

Abstract Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an annual shrub that provides valuable vegetable oil and natural fibers. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum, is one of the most devastating diseases that threaten sustainable cotton production. The present study was planned to check the response of Trichoderma harzianum formulation against Fusarium cotton wilt. Trichoderma harzianum formulation was prepared in combination with plant defense activators. The pot trials were conducted under a completely randomized design and replicated thrice. Seeds were treated with bio-control agent Trichoderma, chemical fungicide Dynasty® (Azoxystrobin), and Insecticide Cruiser® (Thiamethoxam). The growth and development of cotton plants were studied under different treatments, including control, fungicide, insecticide, and the application of the beneficial fungus Trichoderma harzianum. Results indicated that T. harzianum exhibited notable impacts over other treatments, showing significant growth improvement during the 7th and 8th weeks after sowing. The biocontrol agent effectively inhibited the growth of F. oxysporum mycelium, highlighting its potential as an efficient disease management tool. Furthermore, T. harzianum treatment induced increased activities of peroxidase (POD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), from 0.6 to 1.2 folds in cotton leaves. This enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms protected against oxidative damage and enhanced plant tolerance to pathogen attack. These findings revealed that Trichoderma harzianum has tremendous potential as a sustainable and environmentally friendly method of managing Fusarium wilt in cotton. Implementing this biocontrol method can help the cotton industry remain sustainable and thrive, helping farmers' income and livelihoods. Further research is encouraged to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of T. harzianum's biocontrol activity and explore its implementation on a larger scale in cotton farming.