Biological control of Fusarium wilt in crop plants using non-pathogenic isolates of Fusarium species

Abstract

Many species of the genus Fusarium resemble each other morphologically. In many cases morphological differentiation is difficult, molecular tools are used. Pathogenic as well as non-pathogenic isolates have same habitat and colonize plant root system with equal measure. Since non-pathogenic isolates resemble pathogenic isolates in their nutritional and abiotic requirements, many attempts have been made to utilize them as biocontrol agents to manage Fusarium wilt diseases. Although these isolates colonize plants, they do not induce disease symptoms. They are primarily soil inhabiting in nature; once introduced in it remain in the soil for very long time providing significant and consistent disease control. Herewith we give a review and summary of different reports of non-pathogenic Fusarium in different cropping systems, mode of action (antibiosis, plant growth promotion and induced systemic resistance), molecular basis of bioassay and identification, environmental conditions, different formulations, cross protection as well as effects on non-target crops.