Impact of Micromycetes Phytotoxicity on the Germination of Economically Important Legumes

Abstract

The investigation of phytotoxic substances produced by micromycetes has become increasingly vital due to their ability to hinder seed germination and reduce the yield of crucial agricultural crops. These secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, allergens, and enzymes produced by various micromycetes, not only contribute to plant diseases but also pose significant health risks to humans and animals due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties. In developing countries, these phytotoxins cause extensive damage to crops, leading to substantial agricultural losses.

Fungal contamination is typically evaluated by isolating fungi that colonize plants and analyzing their impact on seed quality, germination rates, seedling vigor, and the growth of roots and coleoptiles. This study aimed to assess the phytotoxic activity of toxin-producing fungi, specifically Alternaria and Fusarium, on cereal seeds' germination and early growth.

Bioassay techniques examined the toxicity of fungal cultures from Fusarium and Alternaria, isolated from the roots and seedlings of infected kiwi, raspberry, blueberry, tomato, and potato plants. The study focused on the wheat variety 'Bezostaya 1' and the corn variety 'Ajameti Tetri', which were treated with culture fluids derived from fungal mycelium grown on Chapek's synthetic liquid nutrient medium. The effects of these filtrates on seed germination, seedling growth, and root development in wheat and maize were measured. Additionally, the protective efficacy of the biofungicide 'Fitosporin-M' against fungal and bacterial diseases in plants was evaluated. The study results indicate that Alternaria and Fusarium fungi exhibit significant phytotoxic activity, leading to high levels of contamination in cereal seeds, while "Fitosporin-M" demonstrates strong biofungicidal properties and promotes plant growth effectively.