In-vitro compatibility assay of indigenous Trichoderma and Pseudomonas species and their antagonistic activities against black root rot disease (Fusarium solani) of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Abstract

Abstract Background Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivation is highly challenged by faba bean black root rot disease (Fusarium solani) in high lands of Ethiopia. To ensure sustainable production of faba beans, searching for eco-friendly disease management options is necessary to curb the progress of the disease timely. The indigenous biocontrol agents that suit local environments may effectively strive with in-situ microorganisms and suppress local pathogen strains. This study aimed to screen antagonistic indigenous compatible Trichoderma and Pseudomonas strains against Fusarium solani. In the pathogenicity test, soil-filled pots were arranged in complete random block design and sown with health faba bean seeds. The effect of some fungicides was evaluated against Fusarium by food poisoning methods to compare with the biocontrol agents. The antagonistic efficacy of biocontrol agents and their compatibility was investigated on Potato dextrose agar medium. Results Fusarium solani AAUF51 strain caused an intense root rotting in faba bean plant. The effect of Mancozeb 80% WP at 300 ppm was comparable with Trichoderma and Pseudomonas strains against Fusarium. The mycelial growth of test the pathogen was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced to 86.67 and 85.19% by Trichoderma harzianum AAUW1 and Trichoderma viridae AAUC22 strains in dual culture, respectively. The volatile metabolites of Pseudomonas aeruginosa AAUS31 (77.78%) found the most efficient in reducing mycelial growth of Fusarium followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens AAUPF62 (71.11%) strains. The cell-free culture filtrates of Pseudomonas fluorescens AAUPF62 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa AAUS31 were more efficient than the Trichoderma strain in reducing the growth of Fusarium isolates. There was no zone of inhibition recorded between Trichoderma harzianum AAUW1, Trichoderma viridae AAUC22, Pseudomonas aeruginosa AAUS31, and Pseudomonas fluorescens AAUPF62 strains, hence they were mutually compatible. Conclusions The compatible Trichoderma and Pseudomonas strains showed antagonistic potentiality that could be explored for faba bean protection against black root rot disease and might have a future dual application as biocontrol agents.