Trichoderma harzianum L1 as a potential source for lytic enzymes and elicitor of defense responses in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) against wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp ciceri.

The effect of some natural lignocellulosic substances on the production of beta-glucanase, chitinase, protease and xylanase from Trichoderma harzianum L-1 has been studied under solid state fermentation conditions. Maximum activities of all these enzymes were observed in the fermentation medium containing the mixture of 1% rice bran, neem cake and 0.1% crab shell powder. The induction of plant defense response was investigated by inoculating the roots of chickpea cv JG62 with the biocontrol agent, T. harzianum L-1. A root extract of chickpea inoculated with T. harzianum L-1 showed increased activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and polyphenol oxidase, as well as induction of new trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors. The Fusarium oxysporum protease-2 was inhibited completely by root extract of chickpea inoculated with T. harzianum L-1 and showed maximum resistance to rotting of roots caused by wilt disease.