Abstract
Dieback caused by the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae is an important disease on mango plantations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, 53 actinobacterial isolates were obtained from mango rhizosphere soil in the UAE, of which 35 (66%) were classified as streptomycetes (SA) and 18 (34%) as non-streptomycetes (NSA). Among these isolates, 19 (12 SA and 7 NSA) showed antagonistic activities against L. theobromae associated with either the production of diffusible antifungal metabolites, extracellular cell-wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs), or both. Using a “novel” mango fruit bioassay, all isolates were screened in vivo for their abilities to reduce lesion severity on fruits inoculated with L. theobromae. Three isolates, two belonging to Streptomyces and one to Micromonospora spp., showed the strongest inhibitory effect against this pathogen in vitro and were therefore selected for tests on mango seedlings. Our results revealed that the antifungal action of S. samsunensis UAE1 was related to antibiosis, and the production of CWDEs (i.e., chitinase) and siderophores; whilst S. cavourensis UAE1 and M. tulbaghiae UAE1 were considered to be associated with antibiotic- and CWDE-production, respectively. Pre-inoculation in greenhouse experiments with the most promising actinobacterial isolates resulted in very high levels of disease protection in mango seedlings subsequently inoculated with the pathogen. This was evident by the dramatic reduction in the estimated disease severity indices of the mango dieback of individual biocontrol agent (BCA) applications compared with the pathogen alone, confirming their potential in the management of mango dieback disease. L. theobromae-infected mango seedlings treated with S. samsunensis showed significantly reduced number of defoliated leaves and conidia counts of L. theobromae by 2- and 4-fold, respectively, in comparison to the other two BCA applications. This indicates that the synergistic antifungal effects of S. samsunensis using multiple modes of action retarded the in planta invasion of L. theobromae. This is the first report of BCA effects against L. theobromae on mango seedlings by microbial antagonists. It is also the first report of actinobacteria naturally existing in the soils of the UAE or elsewhere that show the ability to suppress the mango dieback disease.
Highlights
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), frequently recognized as “the king of fruits,” is a popular fruit in tropical and subtropical regions (Usman et al, 2001; Berardini et al, 2005)
We found that 11 out of 53 of the rhizosphere actinobacterial (7 streptomycete actinobacteria (SA) and 4 non-streptomycete actinobacteria (NSA)) isolates were capable of producing strong antifungal metabolites active against L. theobromae using the cutplug method (Table 2)
Actinobacteria could be potential targets as biocontrol agent (BCA) candidates since they have many properties that control diseases, increase nutrient supply and enhance growth of plants (Doumbou et al, 2001; Barka et al, 2016). This approach can be employed as a main component in Integrated pest management (IPM), and may be combined with others to prevent losses and damages caused by plant diseases (Saeed et al, 2017b; Syed Ab Rahman et al, 2018)
Summary
Mango (Mangifera indica L.), frequently recognized as “the king of fruits,” is a popular fruit in tropical and subtropical regions (Usman et al, 2001; Berardini et al, 2005). Mango can be attacked by a number of bacterial and fungal pathogens causing several diseases in all parts of the tree and at all stages of its life (Ploetz, 2004). Dieback is considered to be the most destructive disease, leading to significant yield loss and low fruit quality of mango (Ploetz, 2003). Studies have shown that most common varieties of mango are highly susceptible to dieback disease caused by L. theobromae (Ramos et al, 1997). Dieback is a serious disease of mango, which causes damage to tree health and considerable loss of fruit yield. There is an urgent need for research to find innovative and safe solutions for this destructive disease
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