Turkish Journal of Botany
Abstract
Shallot, a strategic horticultural commodity in Indonesia, is susceptible to biotic stress (e.g., twisted disease) and abiotic stress (e.g., drought). Mycorrhizal fungi offer an environmentally friendly solution to enhance plant resilience. This study evaluated the effects of mycorrhizal application on shallot plants against twisted disease (Fusarium acutatum) and drought stress. Using a randomized complete block design, we assessed growth, disease resistance, and physiological responses. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s honestly significant difference test at a 95% confidence level. Results indicated that mycorrhizal application reduced both the severity and rate of twisted disease development in shallots. It also maintained leaf chlorophyll and carotenoid levels, physiological functions, and growth under both optimal and drought-stress conditions. Principal components analysis showed an antagonistic relationship between disease severity and photosynthetic pigments, suggesting F. acutatum impairs photosynthesis. Additionally, proline levels showed trade-offs with water content and phenolics, potentially reflecting stress-induced resource allocation shifts. Pearson correlation analysis confirmed interconnected biosynthetic pathways for stress-responsive metabolites. This study underscores the potential of mycorrhizal fungi to bolster shallot resilience against disease and drought, offering valuable insights for sustainable agricultural practices.
Author ORCID Identifier
KRISNANDA DHARMA: 0009-0006-8635-8979
ANI WIDIASTUTI: 0000-0001-6745-5614
SURYANTI SURYANTI: 0000-0003-0459-3715
DOI
10.55730/1300-008X.2883
Keywords
combined stress responses, sustainable agriculture, VAM, water deficit
First Page
17
Last Page
28
Publisher
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK)
Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
DHARMA, K. S, WIDIASTUTI, A, & SURYANTI, S (2026). Mycorrhiza-mediated physiological responses of shallot against twisted disease and drought stress. Turkish Journal of Botany 50 (1): 17-28. https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-008X.2883