Screening of bacteria to control Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the common-bean white-mold causal agent

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, a fungus that causes white-mold, is an important hard-to-control phytopathogen of several commercially valuable crops. It is necessary to search for sustainable tools for the management of this pathogen with the objective of achieving sustainability in the field. So, the research objective was to prospect bacteria for the biocontrol of this disease. A strain of S. sclerotiorum (VPB015) was used as phytopathogen. In total, 26 soil bacterial strains obtained from different collections were used, and 23 strains showed antagonistic action against fungus; of these, six produced thermostable metabolites with inhibitory action against the pathogen. Production of volatile compounds by the bacteria was not observed. The GN01 strain, identified as B. velezensis, decreased the disease severity in common-bean seedlings in soil infested with S. sclerotiorum. Five strains decreased disease severity in detached leaves. B. velezensis GN01 showed potential in disease control by seed treatment.