Penicillium simplicissimum and Trichoderma asperellum counteract the challenge of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in wheat plants

Abstract Background Yellow (stripe) rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst), is an economic disease of wheat. Growth-promoting fungi (GPF) such as Trichoderma asperellum and Penicillium simplicissimum have been investigated for their potential to control yellow rust involvement in gene expression four PR proteins all-stage resistance. Results Wheat plants (cv. Sids-12) treated individually with each the biocontrol agents, P. T. , at 24 48 hpi showed a resistance response (infection type = 2) compared non-treated plants, which highly susceptible 9). Both agents induced against on wheat exhibiting moderate (10 MR) reduced colony size Pst (0.6 mm 2 ). Moreover, increased ( P ≤ 0.05) grain yields infected Pst. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) leaves hyperparasitism urediniospores inhibition spore germination. Expressions pathogenesis-related ) protein genes, PR1, PR2, PR3 PR4 were higher both than checks. Conclusion exhibited (Pst) plants. It was found that defence mechanism activated high genes agents.