n.poirier@univ-nantes.fr

Abstract

Wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most destructive soil-borne diseases affecting chickpea production, resulting in severe yield losses through vascular discoloration, wilting, and plant death. The persistence of the pathogen in soil and limitations associated with chemical fungicides have increased the need for environmentally sustainable disease management strategies. Biological control using antagonistic fungi has emerged as a promising alternative for suppressing soil-borne pathogens and improving crop health. The present study was conducted to evaluate the antagonistic potential and extracellular enzyme production of Chaetomium globosum against F. oxysporum associated with wilt disease of chickpea. Fungal isolates of C. globosum were obtained and assessed for antagonistic activity through in vitro dual culture assays and greenhouse experiments. Enzymatic activities including chitinase, cellulase, and protease production were evaluated to determine their role in pathogen suppression. Disease incidence, disease severity, pathogen growth inhibition, and plant growth parameters were recorded to assess the effectiveness of the antagonist. The results demonstrated that C. globosum significantly inhibited the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum under laboratory conditions through competition and antagonistic interactions. The antagonist produced substantial levels of hydrolytic enzymes capable of degrading fungal cell wall components, thereby contributing to pathogen suppression. Greenhouse experiments revealed a marked reduction in wilt incidence and severity in chickpea plants treated with C. globosum compared with untreated controls. Treated plants also exhibited improved root development, enhanced biomass accumulation, and greater overall plant vigor. The findings indicate that enzyme-mediated antagonism plays an important role in the biocontrol activity of C. globosum against F. oxysporum. The study highlights the potential of this beneficial fungus as an eco-friendly biological control agent for integrated management of chickpea wilt disease and supports its application in sustainable agricultural production systems.