ARS | Publication request: Microbial antagonists of Verticillium dahliae colonize cotton root system

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: June 10, 2008
Publication Date: July 26, 2008
Citation: Khodjibaeva, S.M., Zolotilina, G.D., Tashpulatov, J.J., Stipanovic, R.D. 2008. Microbial antagonists of Verticillium dahliae colonize cotton root system [abstract]. American Phytopathological Society. p. 579.

Technical Abstract: Verticillium wilt remains one of the most severe diseases affecting cotton production in Uzbekistan. We are investigating microbial antagonist to control this pathogen. To this end, we have identified several antagonists of Verticillium dahliae (Bacillus sp. 234, Bacillus sp. 3, Streptomyces roseoflavus 33, Streptomyces sp. 7, Stachybotrys chartarum 295 and Trichoderma viride 445) that colonize cotton roots. Studies conducted on cotton resistant variety Bukhara-6 under sterile and non-sterile conditions revealed that in addition to suppressing pathogen activity, selected antagonists also stimulated seed germination (15 percent) and growth and development of cotton seedlings (50-100 percent). Studies conducted under sterile conditions revealed that cotton seeds treated with the selected antagonists effectively colonized cotton roots. Under non-sterile conditions, the selected antagonists colonized cotton roots and compete with indigenous microorganisms. Simultaneously, antagonists protected cotton plants from infection by V. dahliae, but did not greatly affect useful soil microflora. Thus, the selected microbial agents provided reliable biocontrol activity against V. dahliae. The selected antagonists possess certain biotechnological value and may be used for development of new microbiological means for plant protection.