The application potential of Trichoderma T-soybean containing 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate for maize production

Abstract The present work was carried out to investigate the application potential of Trichoderma harzianum T-soybean in maize (Zea mays) production. The effects of T-soybean metabolite on pathogen growth, maize growth and resistance response as well as 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase (ACCD) (EC 4.1.99.4) crude enzyme liquid on germination and seedlings growth of maize were analysed in greenhouse condition. The effects of bio-fertilizer containing T. harzianum T-soybean (BIOT) on maize production were also analysed by determining soil enzymes activities and soil microorganisms counts in field condition. The results suggested that T-soybean significantly inhibited growth of pathogenic Fusarium graminearum and induced resistance response of maize seedlings by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities including peroxidase (POD) (EC 1.11.1.6), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) (EC 1.10.3.2), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) (EC 4.3.1.5) and β-1,3-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.39) in leaves. ACCD from T-soybean also was involved in the beneficial effect. Compared with only using chemical fertilizer, BIOT increased microorganism counts and activities of soil enzymes, and then reduced the incidence of maize stalk rot, and increased maize yield. In sum, T-soybean has potential values of applications in sustainable agriculture.