Evaluation of Glomus mosseae as Biocontrol Agents against Rhizoctonia solani on Tomato

Abstract

R. solani is one of the phytopathogens that attack tomato cultivated causing seed decay, root and crown rot. The ability of arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) to suppress root diseases caused by soilborne pathogens has been intensively studied in the last thirty years. The efficacy of AM (Glomus mosseae) as biological agents was assayed against R. solani on tomato seeds and seedling in greenhouse and field. The results appeared ability of AM (Glomus mosseae) for the suppression of R. solani at transplant time (day 30) in greenhouse experiment (76%) and field experiment results appeared significant differences at disease index and disease severity of tomato plants in mycorrhiza treatment (21%, 1 respectively). The mycorrhiza treatment results was positive influenced on plant growth and health indicators too (tomato seeds germination, fresh weight, dry weight, roots volume and fruit weight).

Keywords: Rhizoctonia solani, Glomus mosseae, Biological agent, Tomato.