Abstract
The antagonistic activity of fungal endophytes isolated from weeds growing in Cavendish banana farms was determined against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense TR4 (Foc TR4) causing Fusarium wilt of Cavendish banana. Forty-nine out of the total 357 fungal endophytes from the roots of weeds exhibited antagonistic activity against Foc TR4. High inhibitory activity at 79.61–99.31% based on dual culture assay was recorded in endophytes Lasiodiplodia theobromae TDC029, Trichoderma asperellum TDC075, Ceratobasidium sp. TDC037, Ceratobasidium sp. TDC241, and Ceratobasidium sp. TDC474. All five endophytes were identified through DNA sequencing with 86–100% identity. Endophyte-treated Grand Naine and GCTCV 218 plantlets showed significantly lower disease incidence (p = 0.014), significantly lower degree of leaf yellowing (p = 0.037) and rhizome discoloration (p = 0.003). In addition, the cultivar Grand Naine was consistently highly susceptible compared with the tolerant cultivar GCTCV 218.
Highlights
Based on dual culture assay was recorded in endophytes Lasiodiplodia theobromae TDC029, Trichoderma asperellum TDC075, Ceratobasidium sp
Being grown in genetically uniform banana plantations, the crop is very susceptible to diseases, one of which is the most devastating disease Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) Tropical race 4 (TR4)
This study aimed to identify fungal endophytes associated with roots of weeds growing in Cavendish banana farms, and determine their potential in controlling Foc TR4 in laboratory and greenhouse tests using the susceptible cultivar Grand Naine and the tolerant cultivar GCTCV 218
Summary
Based on dual culture assay was recorded in endophytes Lasiodiplodia theobromae TDC029, Trichoderma asperellum TDC075, Ceratobasidium sp. No sustainable control strategy exists for Fusarium wilt of banana. The use of biological control agents as part of a sustainable and integrated plant disease management is increasingly becoming important especially in crops like Cavendish banana which are grown in monocultures with large pesticides inputs. Biological control of Fusarium wilt in banana has been studied for years [4]. Endophytes are naturally occurring microorganisms integrally associated with their hosts. They have major roles in enhanced stress tolerance and protection against pathogens [6]. There have been observations in the field of healthy banana plants even if neighboring farms have been wilting due to Foc TR4
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