Biological control of seedling blight of wheat caused by Fusarium graminearum with beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms

Fusarium graminearum is associated with the cereal damping-off complex which reduces germination, seedling stand and yield. Fifty-two bacterial strains and six Trichoderma spp. isolated from the wheat rhizosphere were evaluated for biocontrol of seedling blight of wheat caused by F. graminearum. Their potential as biocontrol agents was tested in vitro and in the greenhouse. Isolates varied in their ability to inhibit the mycelial growth of F. graminearum in agar plate bioassays by 0–79%. This parameter was not related with biocontrol efficacy of in vivo assays. In greenhouse trials, all isolates were initially evaluated for reducing disease on wheat cultivars Klein Centauro (moderately resistant to F. graminearum) and Pro INTA Oasis (susceptible) planted in sterilized soil artificially infested with the pathogen. Among the 25 bacteria and six fungal isolates that exhibited a pronounced suppressive effect, the most efficient 10 for both cultivars were further assayed on eight cultivars (Buck Candil, Buck Catriel, Buck Chambergo, Buck Poncho, Buck Topacio, Klein Cacique, Klein Centauro and Pro INTA Oasis) potted in cultivated–inoculated soil. Three weeks after sowing, plant stand, percentage of diseased emerging seedlings, plant height and dry weight were evaluated. Among the antagonists only Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was significantly better than the control for the average of the eight cultivars for plant stand, height and dry weight. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia also caused a non-significant decrease in the percentage of diseased plants. Three strains of Bacillus cereus and one isolate of Trichoderma harzianum gave also a good control in some cultivars. The ability of these isolates to affect the infection of wheat seedlings by F. graminearum may be of potential value in field trials.