Use of Ganoderma lucidum extract to elevate the resistance in chickpea against the Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris

Abstract Biological based formulation for inducing systematic resistance in the crop is a sustainable measure to control plant disease by utilizing the natural defence system of the host plant and meet the strategic needs of pesticide application for agricultural products worldwide. The crude extract of Ganoderma lucidum was used to induce systematic resistant in the chickpeas against the Fusarium wilt caused by soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum (Schletend: Fr) f. sp. ciceri (Padwick) (FOC). The formulation was made using a crude extract of Ganoderma lucidum and an emulsion (water in oil: W/O); different dilutions of the formulation were made and applied to the chickpea and then challenged with the FOC. After the incubation with FOC, the chickpea was assayed for the enzyme involved in Phenylpropanoid pathways, i.e. Peroxidase (PO), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL). The activity levels of these enzymes were changed in chickpea treated with the formulations as compared to the control (water treated chickpea). The GC-MS analysis confirmed bioactive compounds responsible for the enhanced level of enzyme in chickpea. The findings of the study would lead to the development of a bio-formulation based inducer of resistance molecules in the chickpea against the Fusarium wilt.