Effects of maize inoculation with Fusarium verticillioides and with two bacterial biocontrol agents on seedlings growth and antioxidative enzymatic activities

► We analyzed the bioprotective role of two biocontrol agents of Fusarium in maize. ► Bacillus amyloliquefaciens enabled reduction of F. verticillioides infection. ► Antioxidative responses of inoculated seedlings were age-dependent. ► F. verticillioides increased SOD activity in 10 days old plants. ► A stabilization of antioxidative responses was observed as seedlings grew.