Biological control of chickpea fusarium wilts using rhizobacteria “PGPR”

Abstract

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris is one of the main threats to chickpea and affects sustainable food production. To combat the phytopathogens, successful measures the so-called “biocontrol” are developed over the years wherein numerous plant growth-promoting (PGPRs) have been investigated for their capacities to protect plants from pathogens and stimulate plant growth. A putative PGPR qualifies as PGPR when it is able to produce a positive effect on the plant upon inoculation, hence demonstrating good competitive skills over the existing rhizosphere communities. This competence comprises the effective root colonization combined with the ability to survive and proliferate along growing plant roots over a considerable time period. In the present chapter, the author focused on PGPRs as biocontrol agents against F. oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (FOC).