Biocontrol of Bean Ashy Stem Blight by Improved Rhizobium Biotechnology. FinalReport

摘要

USAID's Science Advisor recently completed a research project in the DominicanRepublic and Puerto Rico to develop bacterial-based methods to control fungal diseases, primarily Ashy Stem Blight (Macrophomina phaseolina) in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). In the Dominican Republic, the disease was detected only in the San Juan de la Maguana province. Two fungal isolates from there were characterized and compared to one isolate from Isabela, Puerto Rico. A collection of 35 Rhizobium phaseoli strains were obtained and tested for fungal inhibition. In vivo screening highlighted the potential of some strains as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) inoculum. Greenhouse experiments demonstrated the value of P. cepacia strain UPR 5C as a biofungicide against M. phaseolina.