Effect of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) on Tuber Storage of Two Potato Varieties

Abstract

El-Allaoui N., A. Douira, A. Benbouazza, M. Ferrahi, E. Achbani and K. Habbadi. 2024. Effect of Plant GrowthPromoting Rhizobacteria (PGPRs) on Tuber Storage of Two Potato Varieties. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(2): 229-233. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001242 The potato (Solanaceae family) is a cultivated plant primarily valued for its tubers, which serve as a crucial food source for numerous populations worldwide. Losses due to postharvest diseases are significantly high and need to be reduced. To preserve tuber quality without relying on chemical treatments, the application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has been employed as a means to extend the shelf life of potato tubers. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of eight PGPRs on the conservation of two potato varieties Siena and Bellini. This was carried out in two trials; in the first trial, thirty potatoes of the Siena variety were treated with PGPRs and covered with wheat straw, and in the second trial, 160 potatoes each of the two varieties Siena and Bellini were treated with PGPRs but covered with wheat straw and black plastic. Results obtained indicated that several PGPR strains performed favorably, the most promising of which was the Aureobasidium pullulans (Ach1.1) strain that kept 50% of the treated potatoes healthy for one month in the first trial, and 30% for six months in the second trial, as compared to the negative control where 100% of the potatoes showed signs of rot in both trials. It can be concluded from this study that the Ach1.1 strain of Aureobasidium pullulans could be a promising post-harvest bio-control treatment. Keywords: PGPRs, conservation, post-harvest, potato, rot