Protection of Strawberry Plants against Charcoal Rot Disease (Macrophomina phaseolina) Induced by Azospirillum brasilense

Some Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) can induce protection against pathogens, increasing plant tolerance to various diseases. This so-called biocontrol activity is replacing harmful practices in agriculture caused by the use of agrochemicals. Azospirillum brasilense one PGPR already effectively used as a resistance inducer several crops. The aim this study was evaluate protective effect A. strains isolated from strawberry and petunia plants (REC3, 2A1, 2A2, 2E1) fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina, which causal agent charcoal rot disease. In vitro antagonism assays enzymatic tests on Petri dishes revealed no direct inhibition M. phaseolina growth any strains. However, treated with REC3 2A1 increased callose lignin deposition stomatal closure compared untreated plants. addition, treatments either bacterial induced defense response virulent isolates evidenced an These results suggest that be for activation innate immunity strategy managing sustainable environmentally friendly way.