Fungal and bacterial endophytes antagonistic to Phytophthora species causing root rot in Cinnamomum cassia

Abstract Endophytes were investigated for their potential to protect Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon) from Phytophthora root rot. From healthy cinnamon trees in diseased plantations, 134 bacterial and fungal endophytes isolated screened vitro ability antagonise the rot pathogens cinnamomi , P. multibullata × vanyenensis . Seventeen exhibiting high levels of antagonism (more than 45%) then tested a glasshouse study reduce impact infection seedlings. Trials using seeds or seedlings inoculated with an endophyte infested identified three expressing disease suppression (based on damage reduction) plant growth promotion. These Penicillium citrinum Xylaria curta Clonostachys rosea can potentially be used biological control cinnamon, but this must explored further under field conditions.