Rhizobacteria antagonistic to the fungus Sclerotium cepivorum (Berk.t) in onion plants (Allium cepa L.)

Abstract

Rhizobacteria are microorganisms attached to the roots of plants that colonize the rhizosphere, there is a great diversity with beneficial effects on crop development and they used in biological control. In this study, the antagonistic effect of rhizobacteria as biocontrollers of Sclerotium cepivorum Berk fungus, which cause white onion rot in large economic losses, was determined. Soil samples collected from onion plants on the farm located in Santa Anita, municipality of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco; for isolation of rhizobacteria and S. cepivorum from infected white rot bulbs. Rhizobacteria that showed antagonism against the fungus, were selected 14 treatments formed with onion plants in conditions of humidity, temperature and photoperiod constant in growth chamber for 36 weeks. Growth promotion variables were evaluated and the data analyzed by ANOVA. Rhizobacteria showed an antagonistic effect against the fungus and stimulated fresh weight, root length, stem and bulb in onion plants. Therefore, this PGPR is an alternative as a biofertilizer potential, thus avoiding degradation and contamination of the soil and yield of product quality and profitability for the producer.