Application of Endophytic Trichoderma harzianum to Alleviate the Adverse Impact of Chromium in Lupinus albus L

The present study was conducted to understand the role of interactive usage of Trichoderma harzianum to alleviate the adverse impact of chromium (Cr) stress for sustainable production of the legume plants (Lupinus albus L.) with special reference to physiological mechanism. The exogenous application of T. harzianum significantly enhanced seed germination and plant growth, along with all physiological and biochemical attributes examined in lupin plant. The germination percentage of lupin seeds treated with conidia suspension of T. harzianum was 100% with 37% increase as compared to the control. T. harzianum inoculation increased seedling height (41.3%) and root length (75.6%). Treatment of T. harzianum also resulted in significant enhancement in the photosynthetic attributes like chlorophyll pigment synthesis (13.75% increase as compares to the control), reflecting a significant enhancement in the net photosynthetic rate. Results of our study demonstrated that L. albus have improved tolerance to inhibitory concentrations of Cr when inoculated with T. harzianum. So, we suggest the application of T. harzianum, which could be used to improve the quality and yield of lupin (L. albus) plants in Cr-contaminated areas and in fertile soils.