The Biobrio 12(3&4), 2025

Morphological and anatomical responses of Vigna mungo to Fusarium oxysporum infection and Trichoderma treatment

Padma & Vidyan Kumari

ABSTRACT:

Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper (black gram) is an economically important pulse crop whose productivity is severely constrained by Fusarium wilt, a destructive vascular disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Crop productivity is frequently constrained by biotic and abiotic stresses, among which fungal pathogens represent a major threat to legume cultivation. Fusarium oxysporum is a seed- and soil-borne pathogen capable of surviving in soil for several years in the absence of host plants, making disease management challenging. The present study investigates the morphological and anatomical changes that occur in V. mungo during F. oxysporum infection and evaluates the protective role of Trichoderma spp. as a biological control agent. Plants infected with F. oxysporum exhibited severe wilting, chlorosis, reduced growth, and extensive disruption of vascular tissues. In contrast, Trichoderma-treated plants showed improved growth performance, reduced disease severity, and restoration of normal anatomical structures. These findings demonstrate that Trichoderma effectively mitigates Fusarium wilt by preserving tissue integrity and enhancing host defense, highlighting its potential as an eco-friendly strategy for sustainable disease management in black gram.

Keywords:    

Vigna mungo, Fusarium wilt, Fusarium oxysporum, Trichoderma, morphology, anatomy, biocontrol.

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