As part of the research conducted within the PRIMA-SAFE project, a study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research evaluates the combined effects of wastewater irrigation and colonization by Trichoderma afroharzianum T-22 on tomato plants. The study examines plant growth, antioxidant responses, and the performance of the insect pest Macrosiphum euphorbiae.
Key Findings
- Trichoderma colonization improved growth and antioxidant activity only when distilled water was used for irrigation. In contrast, no positive effects were observed under saline or wastewater conditions.
- Under stress conditions (high nitrogen or mixed wastewater), Trichoderma colonization triggered additional stress responses in plants, which appeared to reduce growth and leaf area rather than mitigate stress.
- Aphids showed increased fecundity and survival on colonized plants, particularly under the S3 treatment (mixed wastewater). The fungus seemed to enhance plant nutritional value, favoring pest development.
- Antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) and the content of polyphenols and flavonoids were influenced by both water quality and fungal inoculation, with complex interactions between stress, defense, and plant metabolism.
Implications
This study demonstrates that while Trichoderma afroharzianum T-22 can act as a beneficial symbiont under optimal conditions, its role becomes ambiguous or even detrimental under environmental stress, such as wastewater salinity. The findings underline the need to carefully evaluate the interactions between microbial inoculants and irrigation quality in sustainable agricultural systems.
Reference
Trotta V., Russo D., Rivelli A.R., et al. (2024).
Wastewater irrigation and Trichoderma colonization in tomato plants: effects on plant traits, antioxidant activity, and performance of the insect pest Macrosiphum euphorbiae.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31, 18887–18899.
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-32407-w