The effect of some plant probiotics in the biocontrol of the causal agents of chickpea Fusarium yellowing and wilting

Chickpea Fusarium yellowing and wilting disease, caused by Fusarium redolens (Fr) and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceris (Foc) is one of the most common diseases of this plant in Iran. In this study, the effect of bacterial and fungal probiotic strains received from different sources belonging to Alcaligenes, Bacillus, Delftia, Pseudomonas, Stenotrophomonas and Trichoderma genera was investigated on mycelial growth of the plant pathogens in the laboratory and chickpea growth and disease indices in the greenhouse. The volatile compounds of all probiotics prevented the growth of pathogens mycelium. In dual-culture test, all probiotics had an inhibitory effect on Foc growth, but only the effect of Bacillus pumilus INR7 and Trichoderma harzianum T33 on Fr growth inhibition was significant. In the greenhouse, Delftia tsuruhatensis PIIR and Alcaligenes faecalis 1624 were among the best treatments in reducing Fr disease indices and increasing growth factors. In contrast, T. harzianum T33 and Pseudomonas putida RUP1 were the best strains in decreasing disease indices and improving plant growth from Foc infected plants. Overall, the probiotics had the potential for promoting plant growth and biocontrol of these pathogens and after the necessary studies, can be recommended in integrated management of Fusarium disease of chickpeas.