EC Microbiology

This study investigates the effectiveness of different resistance inducers, Bion (BTH) and salicylic acid (SA) as chemicals, dipotassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄) as a mineral salt, and ascorbic acid as a vitamin in enhancing chickpea resistance against damping-off and stem rot diseases caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum under greenhouse and field conditions. Among the treatments, Bion and SA were the most effective in reducing disease incidence and improving plant survival. In addition, these inducers enhanced growth parameters and increased seed yield. However, the highest levels in mineral content were observed in plants treated with Bion and SA. Notably, there was a marked enhancement in the activities of peroxidase (PO) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and an increased accumulation of total phenols compared to the untreated infested control. Dipotassium phosphate and ascorbic acid demonstrated the least effectiveness among the tested treatments, exhibiting moderate efficacy. Furthermore, their performance makes them successful enough to be included as components of integrated disease management programs.

 Keywords: Chickpea; Chemical Inducers; Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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