Effects of PGPR and antagonistic fungi on the growth, enzyme activity and Fusarium root-rot of pea

Abstract

The effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) (Bacillus pumilus and Pseudomonas putida) and antagonistic fungi (Aspergillus awamori, Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma harzianum) were studied alone and in combination in glasshouse experiments on the growth, chlorophyll catalase and peroxidase activity and on the Fusarium root-rot of pea caused by Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi. Application of PGPR and antagonistic fungi caused a significant increase in growth, chlorophyll, catalase and peroxidase activities of both root-rot fungus inoculated and un-inoculated pea plants. Use of P. putida was more effective in reducing disease severity and improving the growth of root-rot fungus-inoculated plants than A. niger and T. harzianum. The greatest increase in growth, chlorophyll, catalase and peroxidase activities of root-rot fungus-inoculated plants and reduction in disease severity was achieved when A. awamori or B. pumilus was used with P. putida compared to other tested combinations.