Biocontrol of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae on Indonesian Local Garlic Plants (Lumbu Hijau) Using a Consortium of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B1 and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

Author: mycolabadmin
1/16/2025
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Summary

Researchers in Indonesia developed a natural way to protect garlic plants from a serious fungal disease using a combination of beneficial bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and fungi (arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi). When applied together, these microorganisms reduced disease by 84% while also making the garlic plants grow taller and produce more biomass. This provides farmers with an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fungicides.

Background

Garlic is an important horticultural crop widely used in Indonesian cuisine, but its cultivation is threatened by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae, which causes Fusarium wilt disease and can result in significant yield losses. Chemical fungicide use poses environmental and health risks, making biological control agents a desirable alternative. Previous research has shown that both Bacillus species and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can individually suppress Fusarium wilt, but their combined effect on local garlic varieties is not well understood.

Objective

To evaluate the biocontrol efficacy of a consortium of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B1 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae on Lumbu Hijau garlic plants, and to assess the effects on plant growth and mycorrhizal colonization.

Results

B. amyloliquefaciens B1 inhibited F. oxysporum growth by 53.41% in vitro. The consortium application increased mycorrhizal infection from 7.96% to 23.84%, significantly enhanced plant height (41.99 cm vs 34.27 cm control), and increased shoot and root biomass. Most importantly, the consortium reduced disease incidence by up to 39.17% with an efficacy rate of 84% at 6 weeks after planting.

Conclusion

The consortium of B. amyloliquefaciens B1 and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi effectively controlled Fusarium wilt on Lumbu Hijau garlic plants while promoting plant growth. B. amyloliquefaciens B1 functions as a Mycorrhizal Helper Bacterium, enhancing AMF colonization. Future research should investigate changes in microbial community structure in the rhizosphere and roots to understand the indirect mechanisms of pathogen control.

Published in:Mycobiology,
Study Type:Experimental Study,
Source: 10.1080/12298093.2024.2433826, PMID: 39895927