The Synergistic Effect of Two Formulated Biofungicides in the Biocontrol of Root and Bottom Rot of Lettuce

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effect of two formulated biofungicides Rhizoleen-T and Rhizoleen-B in the suppression of root and bottom rot of lettuce caused by Rhizoctonia solani, as well as the consequent effect on the phytosanitarian status of the plants. The results proved that application of the biofungicides either singly or in combination increased the germination and survival of the lettuce up to 61.67% and 100%, respectively. The phytosanitarian status of the plants, which was indicated by morphological and physiological parameters, was improved as the result of the application of the biofungicides. The noteworthy valuable result was the increase in fresh weight by 52.5% of the control when the two biofungicides were applied as a mixture. Interestingly, the mixture of the two biofungicides brought about a significant increase in most parameters compared to either of them in single preparation. Proline and phenols significantly increased as a result of the application of the biofungicides compared to the control. This means that the treated plants were more resistant against the pathogens. The study concludes that application of the biofungicides protects the lettuce plants against root and bottom rot, and in addition they increase the strength of the defense system of the plants. It is recommended that the application of a biofungicide mixture is a good and effective strategy in the biocontrol of plant diseases.

Mixtures of Biological Control Agents and Organic Additives Improve Physiological Behavior in Cape Gooseberry Plants under Vascular Wilt Disease

“…Treatments mainly with Mix and MixChi favored the concentration of photosynthetic pigments (TChl and Cx + c) and proline, and decreased MDA accumulation in Fophinfected plants (Figures 4 and 7) in this study. A higher concentration of photosynthetic pigments (TChl and Cx + c) and proline has also been reported in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants infected with Rhizoctonia solani and with the application of a mixture of two bio fungicides formulated with T. harzianum and B. subtilis [67]. On the other hand, treatments with the mixture of three plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) of the genus Pseudomonas and chitosan significantly increased (>65%) chlorophyll content (SPAD) in tomato plants infected with tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) [68].…”

Biological Control of Citrus Postharvest Phytopathogens

“…Many microorganisms have shown good potential as basis for commercial biocontrol products due to their efficacy against fungal pathogens in field conditions. Although much research is being conducted in this area, a limited number of biofungicides are available commercially [114,115,116].…”

“…Most studies have focused on application of individual biocontrol agents without evaluating their combination with other microorganisms or even with chemical components. Nevertheless, combination BCA that are compatible with each other could offer a new and effective approach improving plant diseases control [114,118].…”