Biocontrol Potential of Endophytic Fungi for the Eco-Friendly Management of Root Rot of Cuminum cyminum Caused by Fusarium solani

Root rot disease of Cuminum cyminum caused by Fusarium solani is one the most destructive diseases threatening cumin production. The present study investigates biocontrol potential some endophytes against F. and their effect on induction defense-related enzymes in a greenhouse. results herein presented illustrate strong three (out twelve) endophytes. During vitro assay, isolates demonstrated mycelial growth inhibition solani: 3, 4, 9, with 87%, 65%, 80% reductions, respectively, respect to control (100%). These were identified as Trichoderma harzianum, T. longibrachiatum, Chaetomium globosum, which produce siderophore indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Cumin seed priming culture filtrates C. longibrachiatum positively affected germination, higher germination (%) filtrate-treated seeds was observed followed infected healthy control/untreated seeds. In greenhouse, application globosum reduction severity (67.7%, 58.1%, 59.3%, respectively) plants, lower (20%, 26%, 25%, recorded treated plants compared (62%). Furthermore, significant increase recorded. Higher peroxidase (PO), polyphenoloxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, content phenolic compounds, found plants. indicate that these bioagents not only increased but also protected from infection acting important elements cellular antioxidant system upon infection, conferring species toward mitigating root