Introduction of Pseudomonas fluorescens as a New Biocontrol Agent in Iran

Fluorescent pseudomonads are important biocontrol agents showing capability to restrict or suppress phytopathogens, especially the fungal pathogens via production of some inhibitory metabolites and siderophores directly, and promote the plant growth through some different phytohormones. The objective of this research is to screen and introduce Pseudomonas fluorescens UTPF68 as a new biocontrol and plant growth promoting rhizobacterium that is isolated from the canola rhizosphere in Dashte-Naz (Mazandran province). This strain was evaluated in biocontrol laboratory of Plant Protection Department at University of Tehran, for controlling of soilborne pathogens under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Production of siderophore, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), salicylic acid (SA), antibiotics diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) and pyoluteorin (Plt), and some lytic enzymes were determined. In greenhouse trials, biocontrol effects on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (in canola), Rhizoctonia solani (in bean) and Fusarium oxysporum were studied. Also, bacterial biocontrol effects in combination with Trichoderma virens was evaluated. The results showed that the strain UTP68 is a promising candidate to be commercially applied in Iran. It is worth to be considered further for developing an efficient biopesticide.