Biocontrol of Fusarium spp. in vitro and in vine cuttings using Bacillus sp. F62

From Firenze University Press Journal: Advances in Horticultural Science

H.C. Cavião, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Institute of Biotechnology

A. Russi, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Institute of Biotechnology

J. Schwambach, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Institute of Biotechnology

In recent years, the young vine decline and death have affected many vineyards and nurseries worldwide (Gramaje and Armengol, 2011). This syndrome primarily affects vines exposed to stressful conditions, reducing plant productivity and survival in the field (Waite et al., 2015; Gramaje et al., 2018). Underperforming vines have been found to be affected by trunk and root diseases, disturbing physiological processes such as carbohydrate metabolism, defense responses, and photosynthetic rate (Fontaine et al., 2015; Akgül and Ahioğlu, 2019). In this context, Fusarium spp. have been associated with the failure or poor establishment of the vineyards, mainly in tropical regions (Halleen et al., 2003; Garrido et al., 2004; Król, 2006; Ziedan et al., 2011; Cruz et al., 2014; Abdullah et al., 2015; Markakis et al., 2017; Ghuffar et al., 2018; Reveglia et al., 2018; Akgül and Ahioğlu, 2019). Fusarium spp. are soil­inhabiting pathogens that affect many plant species, including grapevines (Sotoyama et al., 2016). These phytopathogens infect the vines through wounds in the root system, causing root rot. Subsequently, the pathogen promotes xylem obstruction, vascular injuries, and plant wilting due to the interruption of water and nutrients transportation to the shoots (Brum et al., 2012; Eljounaidi et al., 2016; Markakis et al., 2017). Besides, this pathogen can be transmitted through pruning and grafting, infecting the rootstock, graft union, and scion (Akgül and Ahioğlu, 2019). Fusarium wilt mainly affects susceptible vine rootstocks belonging to the Berlandieri‐Riparia family, including the varieties SO4, Kobber 5BB, and Solferino. Although the ‘SO4’ rootstock exhibits high adaptability to different soils and climate conditions, ensuring good vineyard yield and fruit quality, it is highly susceptible to Fusarium wilt (Vilvert et al., 2016). Given the difficulties in managing soil­borne pathogens, the limited efficacy, and the environmental risks of synthetic fungicides (Armengol and Gramaje, 2016; Gramaje et al., 2018), the use of antagonistic bacteria such as Bacillus spp. represent an alternative in the control of Fusarium wilt. These rhizobacteria can colonize plant tissues and vessels, suppressing the proliferation of vascular pathogens (Eljounaidi et al., 2016). In addition, rhizobacteria can promote plant growth and enhance crop yield (Legein et al., 2020; Morales­Cedeño et al., 2021). In previous research, the rhizobacterium Bacillus sp. strain F62 demonstrated the potential to suppress black foot disease by 24.6% in ‘SO4’ (Vitis berlandieri x V. riparia) and by 29.5% in ‘1103P’ (Vitis berlandieri x V. rupestris) rootstock plants obtained through micropropagation.Considering these findings, the present study aimed to evaluate the ability of Bacillus sp. F62 suspension to inhibit the mycelial growth of three isolates of Fusarium spp. and investigate its biocontrol activity against Fusarium sp. isolate FusA06­18in stem wounds in the susceptible rootstock ‘SO4’.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/ahsc-15354

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