Evaluation of rhizosphere bacterial antagonists for their potential to bioprotect potato (Solanum tuberosum) against bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum)

Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) is one of the production constraints of potato (Solanum tuberosum). The intent of the study was to evaluate potential of bacterial antagonists to suppress bacterial wilt disease development and evaluate the role of the strains as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in potato. One hundred-twenty rhizosphere bacterial isolates were screened against virulent strain of Ralstonia solanacearum PPRC-Rs. After in vitro screening, six antagonistic strains (PFMRI, BS-DFS, PF9, PF20, BC, and BS-wly) with inhibition diameter >11 mm were selected and studied further in the greenhouse, in vivo. During in vivo study, the strains were evaluated for their effect in suppressing disease development in terms of area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and increasing biomass (plant height and dry weight) of potato. Accordingly, PFMRI, BS-DFS, and PF9, significantly reduced AUDPC by 78.6, 66, and 64.3%, and wilt incidence by 82.7, 66.2, and 65.7%, respectively, compared to the control. During the sole application, the strains significantly (P < 0.0001) increased plant height by 35.6, 45.9, and 45%, and dry matter by 111, 130.4, and 129%, respectively compared to non-bacterized control. In the presence of the pathogen strain PFMRI, BS-DFS, and PF9 increased plant height by 66, 50, and 48.2%, and dry matter by 153.8, 96.8, and 92.5%, respectively compared to the pathogen treated control. Hence, the study shows that PFMRI, BS-DFS, and PF9 strains have potential use in potato bioprotection, as PGPR or in an integrated bacterial wilt management; whose effectiveness under a variety of field conditions should be investigated.