Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences

Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences | Vol. 12, No. 2, February 2026 | pp. 23–27

DOI: 10.46882/2026.AAAS.120205

Research Article

Title: Biocontrol Efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum Formulations Against Fusarium Oxysporum in Phaseolus vulgaris

Names of Authors: Okafor, C. E.¹, Mensah, K. A.², and Traore, S.³

Authors’ Affiliations: ¹Department of Crop Protection, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. ²Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Savannah Agricultural Research Institute, Tamale, Ghana. ³Institut de l'Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Abstract: Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum accounts for widespread crop failures in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) fields across Sub-Saharan Africa. Synthetic fungicides present high input costs and negative chemical footprint implications. This field trial assessed the bio-protective capacity of three delivery modes of Trichoderma harzianum (seed coating, soil drench, and enriched compost matrix). Greenhouse screenings verified that T. harzianum isolates suppressed fungal pathogen mycelial extensions by 64.2% via hyperparasitism mechanisms during dual-culture trials. In disease-infested test fields, the organic compost amendment method reduced typical vascular discoloration scores from 4.2 to 1.1 on a standard severity index scale. The treatment preserved root structural biomass, leading to a 36.8% increase in nodulation by native Rhizobium strains. Total bean yields reached 1.85 tons/ha in bio-treated zones, compared to 0.92 tons/ha in untreated disease control plots. Enzyme assays confirmed that the biological agent induced higher levels of peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase defense pathways within the host plant tissue.

Keywords: Biological disease control; Root rot; Mycoparasitism; Common bean; Plant defense enzymes; Soil health.

Manuscript Timeline: Received October 27, 2025; Revised December 20, 2025; Accepted January 19, 2026; Published February 23, 2026.

Citation: Okafor, C. E., Mensah, K. A., and Traore, S. (2026). Biocontrol Efficacy of Trichoderma harzianum Formulations Against Fusarium Oxysporum in Phaseolus vulgaris. Advances in Agriculture and Agricultural Sciences, 12(2), pp. 23–27.

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