Evaluation Of Native Bacterial Antagonist Against Fusarium Subacianum In Potatoes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33866/phytopathol.037.02.1304Keywords:
Bacillus spp., Fusarium spp., Solanum tuberosum, Pseudomonas fluorescensAbstract
This study investigated the prevalence and impact of Fusarium dry rot, a significant postharvest disease of potatoes. The objectives of this research were to determine the primary Fusarium species causing dry rot in potato markets and to assess the antagonistic potential of selected bacterial biocontrol agents against the dominant pathogen. Market surveys revealed significant disease losses, with Islamabad exhibiting the highest incidence (17.2-19%). Fusarium species, particularly F. subacianum (62.50%), F. oxysporum (57.50%), and F. solani (56.25%), were identified as the primary pathogens. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the virulence of these isolates, with F. oxysporum (45 mm) demonstrating the highest aggressiveness. To explore biological control options, three bacterial strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus velezensis, and Bacillus subtilis) were evaluated for their in vitro and in planta antagonistic activity against F. subacianum. Their efficacy was assessed through in vitro dual-culture assays and in planta experiments on potato tubers using both preventive and curative application methods. B. velezensis exhibited the strongest in vitro inhibition of fungal growth (74.91%) and demonstrated the most effective disease control in both preventive (14.28%) and curative (16.82%) applications on potato tubers. The demonstrated efficacy of B. velezensis underscores its potential as a sustainable biocontrol tool, offering a viable strategy to reduce postharvest losses and minimize reliance on synthetic fungicides in potato storage systems.References
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