Exploration of multitrait antagonistic microbes against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici

Fusarium wilt is one of the major diseases of tomato causing extensive loss of production. Exploration of agriculturally important microbes (AIMs) for management of the tomato wilt is an ecofriendly and cost effective approach. In the present study, a total 30 Trichoderma and 30 bacterial isolates were screened in the laboratory for their biocontrol activity against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL). Out of all the isolates tested, Trichoderma asperellum BHU P-1 and Ochrobactrum sp. BHU PB-1 were found to show maximum inhibition of FOL in dual culture assay. Both the microbes also exhibited plant growth promoting activities such as phosphate solubilisation, production of siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), indole acetic acid (IAA) and protease activity. These microbes could be evaluated further in greenhouse and field studies for their potential use in management of Fusarium wilt of tomato.