Bioassay for selection of biocontroller bacteria against bean common blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli)

Abstract

Emphasis has been given on selection of micro-organism for biological control. However, in order to evaluate the biological control potential of a great number of micro-organisms in a small period of time it is necessary to develop an efficient bioassay. Seven hundred and sixty bacterial isolates from different habitats, were selected for compatibility with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. phaseoli (SEMIA 4077 e SEMIA 4080). Among them 596 isolates were ineffective against both rhizobia. Bean seeds immersed in suspension of each one of these isolates were agitated for 5 hours at 10°C and sowed in non-sterilized soil. The plants were kept in greenhouse. After the development of cotyledonary and primary leaves, these were removed and bioassayed for Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (XAP) control. In the cotyledonary leaves, it was observed that the isolate DFs093 offered 100% control, DFs041 and DFs1297 offered 90% and DFs490, DFs769, DFs831, DFs842 and DFs843 offered 80% control. In the primary leaves, the DFs482 isolated offered 100% and the DFs080, DFs348, DFs513, DFs622, DFs769, DFs842 and DFs912 offered 80% of XAP control.