Induction of Systemic Resistance by Fusarium oxysporum MT0062 in Solanaceous Crops.

Abstract

F. spp. isolated from tomato roots were screened by the root-dip method for biocontrol activity against wilt caused by F. oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici race J1. The most effective isolate in suppressing the disease was F. oxysporum MT0062; it also reduced wilt of tomato caused by Verticillium dahliae and protected against Fusarium and Verticillium wilts of aubergine, but had little effect in radish or strawberry. F. oxysporum MT0062 was frequently re-isolated from the hypocotyl of tomato and aubergine but rarely from radish or strawberry. There was no apparent antagonism between F. oxysporum MT0062 and the pathogens in vitro. Tomato seedlings in soil pre-treated with F. oxysporum MT0062 showed reduced development of late blight following inoculation of Phytophthora infestans on the aerial parts, though the antagonist was not detected in these parts. The results suggest that F. oxysporum MT0062 can infect solanaceous crops successfully but symptomlessly, and can induce a non-specific systemic resistance