Abstract
Main conclusionThis study identified biocontrol measures for improving plant quality and resistance under biotic stress caused by the most devastating pathogen in tomato production.The management of plant diseases are dependent on a variety of factors. Two important variables are the soil quality and its bacterial/fungal community. However, the interaction of these factors is not well understood and remains problematic in producing healthy crops. Here, the effect of oak–bark compost, Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum and two commercial products (FZB24 and FZB42) were investigated on tomato growth, production of metabolites and resistance under biotic stress condition (infection with Phytophthora infestans). Oak–bark compost, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis, and T. harzianum significantly enhanced plant growth and immunity when exposed to P. infestans. However, the commercial products were not as effective in promoting growth, with FZB42 having the weakest protection. Furthermore, elevated levels of anthocyanins did not correlate with enhanced plant resistance. Overall, the most effective and consistent plant protection was obtained when B. subtilis subsp. subtilis was combined with oak–bark compost. In contrast, the combination of T. harzianum and oak–bark compost resulted in increased disease severity. The use of compost in combination with bio-agents should, therefore, be evaluated carefully for a reliable and consistent tomato protection.
Highlights
Cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has a global production of 3.7 million hectares and is one of the most valuable agricultural crops worldwide
The two bio-agents, B. subtilis subsp. subtilis (T2) and T. harzianum (T8), significantly enhanced plant growth compared to the control (T0) (Figs. 1, 2a, b, e)
Phytophthora infestans was detected in all P. infestans-inoculated plants
Summary
Cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has a global production of 3.7 million hectares and is one of the most valuable agricultural crops worldwide (fao.org). Late blight is the most devastating disease worldwide of both tomato and potato (Agrios 2005). Late blight affects the leaves, stems, and fruits of tomato and can cause total crop loss within as little as 2 weeks. The most effective control of late blight is by chemical fungicides. Phenylamide fungicides, such as mefenoxam, have been used against P. infestans and provide an effective disease suppression (Saville et al 2015). Chemical applications have detrimental outcomes to environmental and human health (Schummer et al 2012a, b).
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