Effect of endophytic Bacillus and arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) against Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici

Abstract

Background Fusarium wilt of tomato caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a serious disease that causes significant economic losses in tomato production. Seventeen endophytic Bacillus isolates from tomato roots of Meghalaya were tested for antagonistic and plant growth promotion activities. Dominating arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF) spores were isolated from the rhizosphere soils of tomato grown in Meghalaya. The effect of different combinations of AMF and endophytic Bacillus on Fusarium wilt severity and growth of tomato plant under pot and field conditions was studied. Results The endophytic Bacillus isolates ERBS51 and ERBS10 showed a maximum inhibition against FOL, with 58.43 and 55.68%, respectively, in a dual culture experiment. ERBS51 and ERBS10 were identified as Bacillus velezensis and Bacillus sp., respectively, based on 16s rRNA sequencing. Both isolates were found positive for iturin A, surfactin, bacillomycin D, protease, cellulase, pectinase, alpha-amylase, siderophore, ammonia production and ZnCO3 solubilization. Funneliformis mosseae and Glomus fasciculatum were the dominating AMF species in tomato rhizosphere of Meghalaya. The result of pot and field experiments revealed that out of all the treatments, combination of Funneliformis mosseae + Glomus fasciculatum + Bacillus velezensis + Bacillus sp. was shown to be the best in reducing the severity of Fusarium wilt to 77.44 and 66.74%, respectively. F. mosseae + G. fasciculatum + B. velezensis + Bacillus sp. also recorded the highest in most growth attributes and yield. Conclusions Endophytic Bacillus (B. velezensis and Bacillus sp.) and AMF (F. mosseae and G. fasciculatum) were safe and effective biocontrol agents against Fusarium wilt of tomato.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Fertilization Influence Yield, Growth and Root Colonization of Different Tomato Genotype

“…A similar feature of these symbioses is the evidence of mutual recognition between terrestrial plants and bacterial or fungal microorganisms prior to host-regulated microbial entry [42]. Thus, these symbionts modify the resistance of plants to disease, reduce the impact of pathogens and improve the overall integrity of crops [43,44]. They also act as indirect support for plant growth and development [45,46], by changing the phosphorus mechanism and partially the replacing use of fertilizers.…”

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus alleviates anthracnose disease in tea seedlings

“…Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), generally forming a symbiotic relationship with approximately 80% of terrestrial plants, can play a crucial role in the plants to face many biotic and abiotic stresses, such as pests, plant pathogens, drought, waterlogging, low temperature, and salinity ( Begum et al., 2019 ; Devi et al., 2022 ; Sivaprakasam Padmanaban et al., 2022 ; Zhang et al., 2022 ). Previous studies demonstrated the function of AMF in controlling anthracnose disease in many herbaceous plants such as Fragaria×ananassa Duch.…”

Dominance of Bacillus species in the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rhizosphere and their plant growth promoting potential under salt stress conditions

“…Bacterial isolates were spot inoculated onto 2% (w/v) NaCl pectin (10 g/L) agar plates ( Devi et al, 2022 ) and incubated at 28 °C for 7 days. After incubation, the plates were stained with 1% iodine solution for 15 min, then washed with water.…”