Selection of bacteria and fungi for control of soilborne seedling diseases of maize

Abstract Plant-based screening experiments were conducted with the aim of identifying biocontrol bacteria and fungi for seed treatment maize. Candidate microorganisms evaluated their protective effects against soilborne infections by species Fusarium , Globisporangium (syn. Pythium ) Rhizoctonia. The tested from maize roots or other sources, including some active microbial components commercial products. Due to method isolation chosen, majority spore formers, most them genera Bacillus, Brevibacillus Paenibacillus . In pot tests potting substrate inoculated F. culmorum, level control provided efficacious bacterial fungal isolates was comparable close chemical reference thiram. effective Pseudomonas Burkholderia Streptomyces Among a subset approx. 100 studied, in vivo vitro activities culmorum only weakly correlated, although strains deviated this pattern. two Clonostachys rosea Trichoderma latter strain Gliocladium virens also protection R. solani Activity ultimum recorded one isolate C. rosea. A reduction impact seedborne observed after oxysporum f. sp. strigae. results are discussed relation previous reports on rhizosphere use plant pathogens growth promotion.