Plant Diseases Containment and Growth Stimulators of Fungal Origin

Abstract

It is well known that mycopesticides have significant potential for a plant protection. For example, pathogenic fungi can induce nonspecific defence reactions and stimulate growth of non-host plants. The aim of this work is to evaluate the off-target activities of potential mycopesticides which affect germination, growth and development of crops. The strains of Stagonospora cirsii C-163, Calophoma complanata 32.121, Alternaria sonchi S-102, Beauveria caledonica BB16, BSc13Vg18, BSc25Vg18, Beauveria pseudobassiana BCu22, Beauveria bassiana T7, BHy1-06 were obtained from the pure cultures collection of the All-Russian Institute of Plant Protection. The most significant leaf spot containment (near 70%) was shown by mycelium extract S. cirsii C-163. In the case of leaf rust, the disease containment effect was lower and was observed for mycelium-based suspension of S. cirsii (near 35%). The maximum growth-promoting effect was observed for mycelium-based suspension of C. complanata. Multivariate analysis data showed that the species of B. caledonica and C. complanata are able to inhibit the development of wheat diseases and promote plant growth. Thus, in our opinion, the screening of producer strains should include the assessment of some nonspecific effects on the development and cultivation of plants.