Antagonistic activity of Cuban native rhizobacteria against Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenb. in maize (Zea mays L.)

Plants growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are capable of increasing directly or indirectly crop yield. Burkholderia and Pseudomonas have been found in large populations, which inhabit in the rhizosphere of several agriculture crops. The aim of this study was to determine the antagonistic activity in vitro and in vivo of Cuban native plant growth promoting rhizobacteria against Fusarium verticillioides M1, and to assess their ability to produce IAA and to promote plant growth. The bacterial strains were tested to assess their fungal growth inhibition and plant growth stimulation. The plant growth assays were done in a modified microcosm experiment and in greenhouse conditions. The results demonstrated that these rhizobacteria produce IAA and exhibit antagonistic effect on F. verticillioides M1 inoculated in the substrate. Burkholderia sp. MBf21, MBp1, MBf15 and Pseudomonas fluorescens MPp4 stood out for their plant growth stimulation in maize and for the biological control exerted on F. verticillioides M1. The strains Burkholderia sp. MBf21 and MBf15 showed the best results in disease suppression, which was achieved up to 80%. These results have practical relevance, since potentially effective bacterial strains were selected and could be used in agriculture, for the enhancement of plant growth and disease control in maize crop.