SELECTION OF ENDOPHYTIC BACTERIA WITH ANTAGONIC ACTION AGAINST PLANT PATHOGENS

Abstract

Several fast and efficient methods of selection of biocontrol agents of plant diseases has been used, to reduce time and cost expended in the field tests. This work took place a selection of isolated endophytics with potential for use in biocontrol of plant pathogens in tests of antagonism in vitro. Out of a total of 95 isolates of bacteria endophytic maize, six were selected on the inhibition to Pythium aphanidermatum. In this selection, were included one isolate of Bacillus subtilis 0G, Bacillus lentimorbus and Streptomyces sp. For verification of antagonism to Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium moniliforme, Sclerotium rolfsii and Exserohilum turcicum. It was found that the endophytics B. subtilis 0G, B. lentimorbus and Streptomyces sp. showed more antagonic action to the other, with inhibition rates of between 32,0% and 53,8%. Among the endofíticos maize, Bacillus agaradhaerens was what stood out most, with rates of inhibition ranging between 43,7% and 52,3%, indicating a inespecificity of action. This study, though preliminary, to see the use of such endophytics to the elimination of diseases in different host-pathogen systems in subsequent tests under conditions of house-to-vegetation and field.