Biological control of pathogens with rhizobacteria

Abstract

Present knowledge on the biological control of soil-borne plant pathogens by rhizosphere inhabiting bacteria, especially fluorescent Pseudomonas spp., is discussed. Attention is paid to the use of molecular biological techniques to analyse the mechanism(s) of antagonism (competition for iron, antibiosis) and the population dynamics of the antagonist(s). Special attention is given to the biological control of a new class of pathogen that does not obviously damage the host, except by stunting its growth and yield. The need for more information on mechanisms of root colonization and survival of antagonists to improve their use as biocontrol agents is emphasized.