Abstract
Natural interactions between plant and associated microbes have vital importance in
plant growth and vigor. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) modulates
growth promotion and suppression of plant diseases. Maize (Zea mays L.) being an
important cereal crop faces loss in annual yield due to stalk rot caused by fungal
pathogen Fusarium moniliforme. Native bacteria can be used to reduce fungal disease
and could provide a sustainable solution to reduce yield loss by pathogen attack. Two
antagonistic PGPR, Bacillus gibsonii and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans were
investigated for their potential to enhance growth and ameliorate the negative effects
of F. moniliforme on both diseased effected and normal plants. Two maize varieties
TP-1217 (Variety A) and TP-1221 (Variety B) were subjected to different treatments
under greenhouse conditions by using a completely randomized design. Analysis of
plant growth parameters, chlorophyll and proline contents, electrolyte leakage,
antioxidant enzyme activities, and disease index assessment was done to examine the
induced tolerance and plant growth promotion by applied PGPR. Results indicated
potential antifungal activity of bacterial strains. Inoculation of bacterial strains to plants
reduced disease and enhanced plant growth parameters. Disease suppression was
influenced by 67% and plant growth was enhanced significantly. Relative electrolyte
leakage reduced by 52 -55% and more than 80% disease control in both varieties of the
plant was observed. Application of bacteria as biocontrol agents in combination with
current disease protection strategies could aid in global food security.
Raufa Batool, Shafiq ur Rehman, Mazhar Rafique, Javed Ali, Tehmeena Mukhtar, Shehzad Mahmood, Farooq Hussain, Hassan Javed. (2019) Biocontrol potential of Bacillus gibsonii and Brevibacterium frigoritolerans in suppression of Fusarium stalk rot of maize: a sustainable approach, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume 7, Issue 3.
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