Characterisation of Plant Growth-Promoting Endophytic Bacteria from Sugarcane and Their Antagonistic Activity against Fusarium moniliforme
Researchers isolated and identified fourteen types of beneficial bacteria living inside sugarcane plants that can fight against a harmful fungus called Fusarium moniliforme, which damages both sugarcane and rice crops. These bacteria not only kill the fungus but also help plants grow better by producing growth-promoting compounds. When used as a seed treatment, the bacteria reduced fungal infection in rice seedlings by 80%, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides.