Fusarium verticillioides of maize plant: Potentials of propitious phytomicrobiome as biocontrol agents.

Abstract

Disease outbreaks have been recorded due to exposure toFusarium verticillioidesand fumonisin, a mycotoxin produced by this fungus.F. verticillioidesis a fungal pathogen of maize that causes infections, such as wilting and rotting, while contact with its fumonisin derivative manifests in the form of mild to severe illnesses in humans and animals. Maize infection byF. verticillioidescauses loss or reduction in expected crop yield, thereby influencing households and nations' economies. While several efforts have been made to control the pathogenic fungus and its occurrence in the environment, it remains a challenge in agriculture, particularly in maize production. Several microorganisms which are plant-associated, especially those associated with the rhizosphere niche have been noted to possess antagonistic effects againstF. verticillioides. They can inhibit the pathogen and tackle its debilitating effects on plants.Hence this study reviews the use of rhizosphere-associated biocontrol agents, such asBacillusspp., Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, andMicrobacterium oleivoranswhich forms part of the phytomicrobiome in other to prevent and control this toxicogenic fungus. These microorganisms were found to not only be effective in controlling its occurrence on maize plants but are environmentally safe and promote crop yield.