Mechanism of in vitro antagonism of phytopathogenic Scelrotium rolfsii by actinomycetes

Abstract

Sclerotium rolfsii (Sr), a soil-borne fungal pathogen, causes disease in a wide range of crops. Recently, we identified five actinomycetes (Streptomyces globisporus subsp. globisporus, S. globisporus, S. flavotricini, S. pactum, and S. senoensis) showing significant inhibitory effects on plant pathogens. In this study, the effects of the five actinomycetes for the biocontrol of Sr were investigated using the plate culture method and microscopy examination. Two actinomycetes with higher inhibitory effect were subsequently examined for the inhibition of sclerotial germination of Sr in unsterile soil in vitro. The cell-free cultures of five actinomycetes mediated significant inhibition of hyphal growth and sclerotial formation and germination of Sr. All actinomycete strains exhibited the ability to produce extracellular cell wall degrading enzymes in the culture conditions. The crude enzyme suspensions of S. flavotricini and S. pactum hydrolyzed the cell wall of Sr. At a dose of 1 g per kilogram soil, the solid formulations of S. flavotricini and S. senoensis prevented germination of 24% and 68% of sclerotia, respectively. Our results provide evidence of effective strains for the biocontrol of Sr, in addition to a further understanding of the underlying mechanism.