Improving Control of Fusarium Wilt of Leguminous Plants by Combined Application of Biocontrol Agents

Abstract

In dual culture tests, Trichoderma pseudokoningii and Bacillus subtilis parasitized and inhibited the growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fabae and of F. oxysporum f. sp. lupini, which cause wilt on broad bean and lupine respectively. When applied to the seeds of these crops in field experiments, both antagonists controlled wilt of broad bean and lupine (75.2% healthy plants). A mixture of both biocontrol agents was more effective than either agent used alone. Moreover, the biocontrol agents provided a higher percentage of healthy plants than a fungicide tested for comparison. Fresh filtrate of both antagonists was more effective in suppressing pathogen growth than stored filtrate.