Abstract
Root-knot nematodes and late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans cause major economic losses in potato production worldwide. Their control is primarily based on the application of synthetic agrochemicals with detrimental effects on the environment and human health. The objective of this study was to investigate Zimbabwean Bacillus and Trichoderma isolates as biocontrol agents of root-knot nematodes and late blight disease in potato as well as their impact as plant growth promoters. In in vitro studies, 27 Trichoderma and 59 Bacillus isolates that were isolated from the rhizosphere of potato and tobacco crops were screened for their biocontrol potentials against Phytophthora infestans and Meloidogyne javanica. Three Trichoderma isolates (T13, T17 and T28) caused ≥ 97% inhibition of P. infestans mycelial growth, while two Bacillus isolates (B1 and B2) caused ≥ 50% inhibition of P. infestans mycelial growth. In a greenhouse experiment with selected isolates, the T28 and Trichoderma Combo isolates significantly (p < 0.05) reduced nematode galling by up to 49.84% when compared to the untreated controls. The biocontrol isolates application also significantly (p < 0.05) reduced late blight disease severity. Isolates application significantly increased chlorophyll fluorescence in plants. The application of Trichoderma Combo and/or T28 isolates significantly increased tuber weight and stomatal conductance in nematode-infected plants. The research highlighted the greater potential of Trichoderma as a biocontrol agent over Bacillus, with isolate T28 being recommended for field evaluations.
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Chinheya, C.C., Mlambo, L.C., Shamudzarira, G. et al. Evaluation of the potentials of Bacillus and Trichoderma isolates as biocontrol agents against Meloidogyne javanica and Phytophthora infestans and plant growth promoters in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum). Eur J Plant Pathol 167, 699–714 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-023-02756-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-023-02756-2