Enhancing Resistance to Cercospora Leaf Spot in Mung Bean L.) through sp. DOA9 Priming: Molecular Insights and Bio-Priming Potential.

Mung bean ( L.), a vital legume in Asia with significant nutritional benefits, is highly susceptible to Cercospora leaf spot (CLS) caused by , leading to significant yield losses. As an alternative to chemical fungicides, bio-priming with rhizobacteria can enhance plant resistance. This study explores the potential of sp. strain DOA9 to augment resistance in mung bean against CLS via root priming. The results reveal that short (3 days) and double (17 and 3 days) priming with DOA9 before fungal infection considerably reduces lesion size on infected leaves by activating defense-related genes, including , , , , , , , and , or by suppressing the inhibition of and enhancing peroxidase (POD) activity in leaves. Interestingly, the Type 3 secretion system (T3SS) of DOA9 may play a role in establishing resistance in CN72. These findings suggest that DOA9 primes CN72's defense mechanisms, offering an effective bio-priming strategy to alleviate CLS. Hence, our insights propose the potential use of DOA9 as a bio-priming agent to manage CLS in CN72, providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fungicide applications.