انجمن علوم و صنایع غذایی ایران مجله علوم و صنایع غذایی ایران 2008-8787 23 174-ویژه نامه 2026 07 23 Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effects of Biological Agent (Trichoderma), Chemical Agent (Beltanol), and Nanocoatings (Nano-Chitosan) in Controlling Fusarium solani Fungus) Evaluation of the Inhibitory Effects of Biological Agent (Trichoderma), Chemical Agent (Beltanol), and Nanocoatings (Nano-Chitosan) in Controlling Fusarium solani Fungus) 189 204 28965 10.48311/fsct.2026.119715.83091 FA Thulfiqear A. Jabbar Biology Department, College of Science, University of Karbala, Karbala, Iraq Aqeel N. ALAbedy Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, Iraq AbdulZahra J. Ali Plant Protection Department, College of Agriculture, University of Karbala, Iraq Journal Article 2026 03 24 Among the isolated pathogens, isolate F4 exhibited the highest virulence, significantly impairing seed germination. In vitro antagonistic assays on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) revealed that Trichoderma harzianum (T2), T. longibrachiatum (T1), and T. harzianum (T3) demonstrated substantial antagonistic activity (81.67% each) against F. solani. Beltanol showed inconsistent inhibition of Trichoderma isolates, with T1 being among the most resistant, while F. solani was highly sensitive (74.46%). Complete inhibition of all fungal isolates was achieved at 1.00 mL/L of Beltanol. Nano-chitosan exhibited dose-dependent antifungal activity, particularly against F. solani (67.30%). Combined treatments demonstrated synergistic effects; the integration of Beltanol, nano-chitosan, and Trichoderma spp. resulted in the highest germination rate (97.70%), reduced disease incidence, and improved root and shoot dry weights—parameters critical for fruit quality and postharvest shelf life. Furthermore, this combined approach enhanced the activity of plant defense enzymes, which are key to maintaining fruit integrity during storage and transport. The highest peroxidase (POD) activity (5.30 units/mg) was observed in the Trichoderma spp. + F. solani treatment, while maximum catalase (CAT) activity (1.85 units/mg) was recorded in the Trichoderma spp. and F. solani treatment. The highest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (1.74 units/mg) was achieved with the combination of Beltanol, F. solani, and nano-chitosan. These findings suggest that an integrated approach combining chemical, biological, and nano-based interventions offers a sustainable strategy for controlling F. solani infections, thereby improving tomato fruit quality, reducing postharvest losses, and enhancing food safety throughout the supply chain. Among the isolated pathogens, isolate F4 exhibited the highest virulence, significantly impairing seed germination. In vitro antagonistic assays on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) revealed that Trichoderma harzianum (T2), T. longibrachiatum (T1), and T. harzianum (T3) demonstrated substantial antagonistic activity (81.67% each) against F. solani. Beltanol showed inconsistent inhibition of Trichoderma isolates, with T1 being among the most resistant, while F. solani was highly sensitive (74.46%). Complete inhibition of all fungal isolates was achieved at 1.00 mL/L of Beltanol. Nano-chitosan exhibited dose-dependent antifungal activity, particularly against F. solani (67.30%). Combined treatments demonstrated synergistic effects; the integration of Beltanol, nano-chitosan, and Trichoderma spp. resulted in the highest germination rate (97.70%), reduced disease incidence, and improved root and shoot dry weights—parameters critical for fruit quality and postharvest shelf life. Furthermore, this combined approach enhanced the activity of plant defense enzymes, which are key to maintaining fruit integrity during storage and transport. The highest peroxidase (POD) activity (5.30 units/mg) was observed in the Trichoderma spp. + F. solani treatment, while maximum catalase (CAT) activity (1.85 units/mg) was recorded in the Trichoderma spp. and F. solani treatment. The highest polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity (1.74 units/mg) was achieved with the combination of Beltanol, F. solani, and nano-chitosan. These findings suggest that an integrated approach combining chemical, biological, and nano-based interventions offers a sustainable strategy for controlling F. solani infections, thereby improving tomato fruit quality, reducing postharvest losses, and enhancing food safety throughout the supply chain. https://fsct.modares.ac.ir/article_28965_778b443f4e38e2e5a7b573c151cfe64e.pdf