Systemic induced plant resistance genes expression in winter wheat under treatment with antagonistic bacteria of Fusarium sp.

Introduction: Fusarium species are devastating wheat pathogens. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) offer an effective biocontrol alternative. This study investigated the capacity of a Bacillus and Paenibacillus consortium to induce systemic resistance in winter wheat. Methods: Winter wheat plants were treated with a ten-strain PGPR consortium, with or without Fusarium oxysporum and F. graminearum. Expression of five PR-gene families was quantified in roots and shoots at 7 and 14 days post-treatment via RT-qPCR. Morphometric parameters were tracked for 28 days. Results: The consortium elicited a potent defense response. In roots at 7 days, PR-1 and PR-6 expression surged 16-fold and 38-fold, respectively. Defense activation in shoots was delayed, peaking at 14 days. After 28 days, PGPR-treated plants exhibited an 8% increase in shoot length. Discussion: The results confirm that the bacterial strains effectively prime the wheat immune system, modulating early defense pathways and enhancing plant growth.