Inoculation of tomato plants with rhizobacteria suppresses development of whitefly Bemisia tabaci (GENNADIUS) (HEMIPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE): Agro-ecological application

Abstract

In agroecosystems, soil biodiversity is increasingly becoming more recognized as providing benefits to both plants and human health. It performs a wide variety of ecological services beyond the recycling of nutrients to plant growth and manage pests and diseases below the economic injury level. This study investigated the effects of three Pseudomonas isolates (Q172B, Q110B and Q036B), isolated from untreated tomato rhizospheric soil, as a biological control agent of Bemisia tabaci which is a key pest of tomato crops. The study was conducted under laboratory and glasshouse conditions and the water treatment was used as a control. Adult mortality rates were assessed during three days at 24h interval and larva mortality rates were evaluated during six days after treatment at 48h interval. Results indicate that Q036B isolate has a faster effect on B. tabaci adult and larvae. Under laboratory conditions, all three Pseudomonas isolates (Q110B, Q036B and Q172B) have a significant effect on B. tabaci adult mortality compared to control. The earliest and the most important mortality rate of 76% was recorded by Q036B. Two isolates Q036B and Q110B caused a significant mortality on B. tabaci larvae; with highest mortality effect (79%) was observed for Q036B compared to control. However, Q172B has no mortality effects on B. tabaci larvae under laboratory conditions. In glasshouse conditions, only Q036B provided high mortality rates of 91% at 168h after treatment. The results of this study indicate that the Pseudomonas isolate Q036B significantly suppresses B. tabaci in tomato plant and could substitute the excessive use of chemicals. Current research indicates that soil biodiversity could be promising to preserve agro-ecological sustainability.

Optimal Nutrients delivery and Possible Inoculation in Pro-Health Tomato Cultivation

“…So I think that application of the soil microorganism as bio-insecticide is efficient and could reduce the amount of chemicals. I agree with the authors that microbial soil protects tomato plants against insects and reduce uses of pesticides protecting human and environment health [2]. Being a gardener by passion and a scientist by profession, I would also like to draw attention to certain aspects of growing tomatoes in a home garden.…”

“…Tomatoes are one of the more commonly consumed and important for human vegetables [1,2]. The use of organic fertilizers or a strictly limited amount of chemical fertilizers gives us the opportunity to grow a healthy tomato, which tastes better than over-fertilized crops.…”

“…Chemical control have been widely used to utilize Beminisia Tabaci but their over use has developed resistance to some insecticides which has reduced their efficacy [4,5], while increasing the doses used. The biocontrol by use of microorganisms represents a potentially attractive alternative approach [2,6]. The fluorescent Pseudomonas were the most abundant bacteria in the rhizospheric soil.…”

“…The fluorescent Pseudomonas were the most abundant bacteria in the rhizospheric soil. Bouharoud et al [2] did the research evaluated the effect of three new Pseudomonas Q172B, Q110B, Q036B isolated from soil of tomatoes.…”