Use of rhizobacteria for the protection of bean plants against thecharcoal rot (Macrophomina phaseolina)

Abstract

The “in vitro” growth inhibition of M. phaseolina by four rhizobacteria as well as disease management on field with the use of biological media and natural products were evaluated. Although none of the tested bacterial strains achieved completely inhibit the growth of the pathogen in vitro through both bioassays employed, the control of disease under controlled conditions was more efficient with the use of B. cepacia and P. fluorescens. During field assessments, M. phaseolina was the most prevalent fungal pathogen in bean crops, however, all tested treatments significantly reduced the impact of the disease. Despite the fact that moisture conditions prevailing during the crop assessments did not encourage the development of M. phaseolina, the effectiveness of the treatments for full protection of bean plants toward this soilborne fungus. Field assessments in two different locations and weather conditions show that treatment of bean seeds with biological media (B. subtilis and P. fluorescens) allows crop protection against disease caused by M. phaseolina.

Keywords

• organic farming
• biological control
• soil pathogens
• Phaseolus vulgaris L.