Chrysophanol is involved in the biofertilization and biocontrol activities of Trichoderma

The effect of chrysophanol, a secondary metabolite of Trichoderma harzianum , on the growth and disease resistance of cabbage against Botrytis cinerea was investigated. Chrysophanol assisted cabbage growth and promoted resistance against B . cinerea . Proteins related to photosynthesis were expressed in T . harzianum - and chrysophanol-treated cabbages. The transcription levels of photosynthesis- and sucrose transport-related genes increased in chrysophanol-treated cabbages. The transcription levels of chitinase increased in T . harzianum -treated cabbages and those of ascorbate peroxidase in T . harzianum - and chrysophanol-treated cabbages. Chrysophanol is involved in stimulating plant growth and photosynthesis and in eliciting host defense responses during the colonization of T . harzianum .