Interactive effects of biochar and Trichoderma on soil functional properties and suppression of Fusarium culmorum in wheat
Applied Soil Ecology, cilt.226, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 226
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.apsoil.2026.107334
- Dergi Adı: Applied Soil Ecology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, BIOSIS, Environment Index, Zoological Record, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Biochar, Disease suppression, Rhizosphere function, Soil health, Trichoderma
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Fusarium culmorum is a major constraint in wheat production, causing significant yield losses and highlighting the need for sustainable disease management strategies. This study evaluated the interactive effects of biochar and Trichoderma on pathogen suppression, soil-functional properties, and plant health. Four Trichoderma isolates were initially screened in vitro against F. culmorum , and the most effective isolate was selected for in vivo experiments. Under controlled conditions, using a sterilized soil–peat–perlite substrate, the individual and combined effects of biochar and Trichoderma were assessed using plant growth, biochemical responses, soil enzyme activities, microbial indicators, and disease severity. In addition, a Soil Functional Index (SFI) was developed to quantify changes in soil functionality and its relationship with disease suppression. The combined application of Trichoderma and biochar significantly enhanced plant growth, antioxidant enzyme activities, and the accumulation of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Disease severity was reduced by 62.5% under the combined treatment. Soil dehydrogenase, urease, and catalase activities increased by 1.6%, 127.9%, and 33.2%, respectively. In addition, microbial biomass carbon and basal respiration increased by 89.0% and 36.6%, respectively, whereas the metabolic quotient (qCO₂) decreased by 27.6%, indicating improved microbial metabolic efficiency. The highest SFI values were recorded under the combined treatment, and SFI exhibited a strong negative correlation with disease severity ( R 2 = 0.70 ). Overall, the biochar– Trichoderma combination improved soil functionality, microbial activity, and plant health while suppressing disease development. However, because the study was conducted under controlled conditions using a sterilized substrate, further validation under natural soil and field conditions is required.