Combined use of Bacillus subtilis strain B-001 and bactericide for the control of tomato bacterial wilt

Abstract

Background: Tomato bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum poses a serious threat to tomato production. However, no effective control measures are available. In this study, the bactericide Saisentong was combined with an effective biological control agent, Bacillus subtilis B-001, to control tomato bacterial wilt under greenhouse and field conditions.

Results: Growth of B-001 in vitro was unaffected by Saisentong. In greenhouse experiments, the combined application of B-001 and Saisentong via root irrigation or spray resulted in better disease control compared with either agent alone. In two field trials, at a Saisentong concentration of 400 or 500 mg kg^-1 , the combined treatment was more effective than expected and showed a synergistic effect. A lower concentration of Saisentong (200 or 300 mg kg^-1 ) in combination with B-001 resulted in an antagonistic effect. However, disease control was significantly greater compared with either treatment alone.

Conclusion: The combination of Saisentong and B-001 effectively controls tomato bacterial wilt. The integrated strategy represents a promising new tool to control this disease. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Keywords: Bacillus subtilis; Saisentong; combination; tomato bacterial wilt.