Fusarium oxysporum (F221-B) as biocontrol agent against plant pathogenic fungi in vitro and in hydroponics

Abstract

Efficacy of non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum (F221-B) was assessed as a possible biocontrol agent against fungal pathogens, namely Curvularia lunata (C11, C12), F. semitectum (F113), F. oxysporum f.sp. lactucae (F221-R, F442-G), Rhizoctonia solani (R11, R12), Rhizoctonia sp. (R111, R112, R113) in vitro, while F221-B showed a moderate ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of tested fungi about 36-56%. Then, F221-B was further evaluated for its ability of controlling lettuce root rot and wilt caused by F442-G in hydroponics. It was revealed that F221-B reduced disease incidence and severity about 60-80% compared to the inoculated control and significantly promoted the growth of 3 lettuce varieties. Interestingly, using only F221-B gave the significantly highest fresh weight (twice over the healthy control). Conclusively, this study provides an important suggestion for further development of F221-B since it showed the ability of biocontrol agent and plant growth promoting fungus.