BIOCONTROL OF COMMON ROOT ROT OF WHEAT WITH LYSOBACTER ENZYMOGENES AND BINUCLEATE RHIZOCTONIA

Bipolaris sorokiniana and Rhizoctonia solani AG-4 are associated with common root rot of wheat. Bacterial strain Lysobacter enzymogenes C3 and the binucleate Rhizoctonia strain BNR-8-2 were evaluated for their biocontrol activities against common root rot under greenhouse conditions. In greenhouse trials, the biocontrol agents were evaluated for reducing disease on wheat cultivars Russ and Alsen planted in sterilized soil artificially infested with the pathogens. Four weeks after sowing, disease severity was evaluated. L. enzymogenes C3 and the binucleate Rhizoctonia BNR-8-2 were applied as single strains and a 2-strain mixture. Statistical analysis of data indicated that, treating wheat cultivars with L. enzymogenes C3, the binucleate Rhizoctonia BNR-8-2 and mixture provided significant protection against common root rot. No differences (P<0.01) were found between Russ and Alsen for reaction to the diseases. The ability of these isolates to affect the infection of wheat seedling by R. solani AG-4 and B. sorokiniana may be of potential value in field trials.