Screening and identification of biocontrol agents for fusarium wilt
disease in Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.
Abstract
Fusarium wilt in Chrysanthemums, a long-standing issue, is primarily
caused by Fusarium equiseti, though confusion persists about its
specific forma specialis. This study first identified and validated the
pathogenic fungus in Chrysanthemum morifolium using Koch’s
postulates. In response to the environmental impact of chemical
pesticides, the study focused on biocontrol alternatives. Healthy
C. morifolium rhizosphere soil was sampled to isolate
antagonistic bacteria. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, showing a 3.9
cm inhibition zone in plate confrontation tests, was identified as a
potent biocontrol agent. Puncture inoculation tests on detached leaves
and live plants demonstrated that lesion size in plants treated with
both the pathogen and B. amyloliquefaciens was significantly
reduced compared to controls, confirming the bacterium’s efficacy in
inhibiting Fusarium wilt. This research provides a foundation for
developing sustainable biocontrol methods for managing this disease in
agriculture.