Evaluation of biocontrol and plant growth promoting potential of endophytic yeasts isolated from healthy plants

摘要

Yeasts have been used as an industrial microorganism from thousands of years. Little attention was given to yeasts as biocontrol agents against plant pathogens as compared to other microorganisms in the past. In this study, endophytic yeast s (n=22) isolated from healthy plants and biocontrol efficiency of selected yeasts isolates was investigated. They inhibited the mycelial growth of Fusarium solani , F.oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina , but they were ineffective against the Rhizoctonia solani . Yeast isolates KUAY-1, KUAY-9, KUAY-34, and KUAY-62 , used in screen-house experiment in soil amended with neem cake, significantly suppressed the root rot of sunflower and enhanced plant growth. Endophytic yeast were found more effective in soil amended with neem cake in improving plant growth and suppression of fungal infection as compared to each treatment alone.