Effect of Arthrobacter sp. Tg40 on Defense Gene Expression and Disease Severity in Pepper Infected with Rhizoctonia solani
Abstract
This study evaluated the biocontrol potential of Arthrobacter sp. Tg40 against Rhizoctonia solani in pepper plants and its influence on plant defense responses. The expression of selected defense-related genes (JERF3, POD, PR, and chitinase) was analyzed at 12, 24, 56, and 68 h using quantitative real-time PCR. Expression patterns differed across treatments and sampling times, indicating dynamic regulation of plant defense mechanisms. In particular, combined application of R. solani and Arthrobacter sp. Tg40 resulted in enhanced expression of several defense-related genes compared to individual treatments. In addition, disease severity assessments demonstrated that Arthrobacter sp. Tg40 significantly suppressed disease development caused by R. solani. The results suggest that this bacterial strain may contribute to plant protection by both reducing disease severity and modulating defense-related gene expression. These results support the potential application of Arthrobacter sp. Tg40 as a sustainable strategy for managing soil-borne diseases in pepper production systems..
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Green-House Growing and Treatment
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Filiz Ünal
*
0000-0003-4620-5397
Türkiye
Döndü Gül Alakuş
0009-0000-7197-1814
Türkiye
Öykü Divrik
0009-0009-3844-7557
Türkiye
Hazal Sipahi
0009-0002-3261-5248
Türkiye
Samet Şahin
0009-0008-2913-6717
Türkiye
Publication Date
June 15, 2026
Submission Date
April 30, 2026
Acceptance Date
May 20, 2026
Published in Issue
Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 1