Deciphering Trichoderma viride-mediated cadmium stress alleviation in wheat: morphological, physiological and biochemical insights

Abstract Background The extremely hazardous metal cadmium (Cd) restricts plant growth and interferes with many morphological, biochemical and physiological functions. One biotechnology strategy is the application of fungi to eliminate harmful pollutants from the environment. Methodology Trichoderma viride strain RA1 is employed to investigate its prospective for Cd scavenging and promoting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth. The colony diameter and mycelial dry weights (dwt) of T. viride were examined. Also, a randomized pot experiment was conducted to mitigate the Cd harmful effects in wheat plants using T. viride RA1grown under Cd-stressed (200 mg/L) conditions. Results The results revealed that with increasing Cd conc., colony diameter and mycelial dwt of T. viride decreased. Also, various phenotypic, physiological and biochemical characteristics were evaluated. Cd content in T. aestivum shoots and roots were appraised. Regarding osmoprotectants, the highest increase in proline content (16.14%), glycine betaine (24.95%) and protein (28.07%) was detected in T. aestivum plants with T. viride RA1 beneath Cd imposition. The MP-AES results indicated a greater buildup of Cd in the roots of plants inoculated with T. viride RA1 than non-inoculated ones. Our data suggest that T. viride can be utilized to increase total antioxidant capacity and osmoprotectant levels while decreasing malondialdehyde, electrolyte leakage, in addition to H2O2 levels in order to lessen the detrimental effects of Cd on T. aestivum plants. Conclusion According to our findings, T. viride RA1 may function as a bio inoculant, encouraging T. aestivum development under Cd stress, thereby assisting sustainable farming methods.