Synergistic Effect of Pyrolyzed Bagasse and Trichoderma Viride for Sustainable Mitigation of Chili Southern Blight

Muhammad Zia Ullah; Beenish Rasheed; Adnan Akhter; Waheed Akram; Muhammad Abu Bakar Siddique; Muhammad Khurshid; Hafiz Muhammad Tariq; Nasir Ali; Umair Raza; Muhammad Ahmad

Authors

Muhammad Zia Ullah Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Beenish Rasheed Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Adnan Akhter Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Waheed Akram Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Abu Bakar Siddique Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Khurshid School of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan.
Hafiz Muhammad Tariq Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Nasir Ali Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Umair Raza Department of Plant Pathology, University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan
Muhammad Ahmad Department of Plant Pathology, Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan, Pakistan.

Keywords:

Organic Amendments, Plant Protection, Sclerotium Rolfsen, Biological Control, XRD

Abstract

Soil-borne diseases like southern blight severely limit chili (Capsicum annuum L.) production, demanding sustainable and eco-friendly management approaches. This study introduces the integration of sugarcane bagasse-derived biochar with Trichoderma viride as a novel strategy for enhancing chili resistance against Sclerotium rolfsii. Biochar was produced through pyrolysis at 450°C and characterized using SEM, EDX, and XRD, revealing porous honeycomb-like structures, high carbon content, and mineral phases such as SiO₂ and CaO. Glasshouse experiments were conducted on the chili cultivar ‘Desi’ using biochar at 3% & 6% (v/v) concentrations. Biochar was either applied alone or in combination with T. viride as well as with S. rolfsii. Results demonstrated that biochar treatments significantly enhanced shoot and root growth, biomass accumulation, and physiological performance under pathogen stress. Disease severity, incidence, and mortality were notably reduced, with the greatest suppression (20%) noted in chili plants treated with 6% biochar plus T. viride. Furthermore, higher biochar doses substantially elevated levels of defense-related compounds, including phenolics, catalase, and flavonoids, indicating induction of systemic resistance. Similarly, the combined effect of biochar and T. viride was also visible under in vitro assays. Overall, the integration of biochar and beneficial fungi not only improved soil health but also strengthened host defense, offering a sustainable approach to managing southern blight. These findings highlight biochar-induced resistance as a promising component of integrated disease management in chili cultivation.

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