Co-inoculation of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and their Mycorrhizae Helper Bacteria (MHB) effectively suppresses Fusarium Wilt in Banana.

Abstract

In the field of biocontrol, several plant growth practices have been in use but of varying efficiency. Integrated disease management in banana has been largely hampered by Fusarium wilt disease causing severe loss across the world. Glomusspp. has been regarded as an effective control agent of several plant diseases. Moreover, Mycorrhizal helper bacteria synergistically enhance the bioactivity of Glomus spp. In the present study, a total of 25 isolates of AMF and 29 isolates of MHB were evaluated for abatement of Fusarium wilt disease (Foc -VCG 0124) in cv. Grand Naine both individually and in combination. Among the treatments, Glomus etunicatum (KPV) + P. aeruginosa (Ge-A + Ge-B) and Glomus mossae (TPV) +Pseudomonas sp. (Gm-A) showed significant inhibition of Fusarium wilt with an augmented plant growth. Nevertheless, the results were also corroborated statistically prominent with increased root parameters. AMF in combination with their helperbacterium could act as a prospective mode in biocontrol agents for the management of Fusarium wilt disease in banana.Furthermore, this way of combinations could be provocatively used and rationalized for most of the field crops infected with Fusarium wilt.