Control Effect of Rare Earth Elements on Crown Rot Disease of Aspergillus Niger in Groundnut Plants (Arachis Hypogaea L.)

Five soil-transmitted pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus niger) were isolated and selected to investigate the effect of Rare earth elements on their disease causing ability. The present study reveals the response of leguminous plant (Arachis hypogaea L.) to monazite soil containing Rare earth elements. A significant increase in plant biomass, total chlorophyll content and stress resistant product (phenols) was observed. The results indicated that seeds soaked with REEs show significant disease controlling effects on root rot by the pathogenic fungi. The activities of two pathogenic enzymes (cellulase and pectinase) of the fungi were reduced by the application of REEs. The results indicated that REEs in agriculture not only promote the biomass but also control the soil pathogens.