Attempts for biological control of Ralstonia solanacearum by using beneficial microorganisms

Abstract

Bacterial wilt pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum causes catastrophic loss in different plants across the genera and climatic conditions. It has a huge genetic diversity which affects tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate region. Apart from solanaceous plants, it affects a vast array of many other plant species. Wide host range and its survival capacity in various environments such as irrigation water and soil make it difficult to control R. solanacearum. Host resistance breakdown due to high genotype and environment interactions was frequently encountered. Therefore, integrated approach combining host plant resistance and cultural and biological control measures seems effective. Although excellent attempts have been made in management of R. solanacearum, still there is great opportunity to contribute to this problem for a stable solution. Varied chemical, cultural, agronomical, biological, biotechnological approaches, etc. have been used in addressing problem of Ralstonia with different levels of success. Biocontrol of R. solanacearum by different microorganisms has great potential. Microbes like Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Azotobacter, Streptomyces, etc. have been found suitable in suppressing bacterial wilt. This chapter focuses on different approaches of R. solanacearum biocontrol like the use of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, bacterial endophytes, bacteriophages, bacterial volatile compounds, chitosan, silicon, etc. in detail. It also briefs about present scenario of R. solanacearum control with future potential to be achieved.