Biocontrol of Alternaria triticina by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on wheat

Abstract

Eighteen isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads and Bacillus spp. were isolated from Alternaria triticina suppressive soils of wheat fields. These isolates were evaluated in the laboratory and greenhouse for the biocontrol of A. triticina. Six isolates were considered to have potential for the biocontrol of A. triticina on the basis of antibiotic sensitivity, fluorescence produced by Pseudomonas, inhibitory effect on A. triticina and root colonization of wheat roots by these isolates. These six isolates (Pa22, Pf27, Pa28, B25, B28, and B30) were further tested for their biocontrol potential against A. triticina on wheat in a pot test. Out of six isolates, isolate B28 was best in improving wheat growth of A. triticina inoculated plants. Isolate B28 also caused higher reduction in percentage infected leaf area caused by A. triticina while isolate Pa22 was found best in improving growth of plants without A. triticina.

Keywords:

• Alternaria triticina
• Bacillus
• biocontrol
• Pseudomonas
• wheat