Harnessing rhizobacteria Serratia surfactantfaciens and Brucella intermedia to inhibit colonization of Rigidoporus microporus and enhancing rubber plant health
摘要
Rigidoporus microporus is a soil-borne pathogen that causes white root rot (WRR) disease in rubber plants, indicated by root rot, wilting, and plant death. Utilizing rhizobacteria as biocontrol agents offers an effective solution to this problem. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rhizobacteria on inhibiting R. microporus colonization, inducing the growth and resistance of rubber plants. The rhizobacteria used were Serratia surfactantfaciens (four isolates) and Brucella intermedia (one isolate), cultured in a liquid medium. Rhizobacterial suspensions were applied singly or as a mixture of five isolates to rubber plants grown in polybags, before inoculation with R. microporus. The visual and scanning electron microscope observations were conducted on a dual culture on agar medium. Observations included disease assessments, plant growth and biomass, and enzymatic activity. The effects of the rhizobacteria on the growth of the pathogen caused persistent mycelial abnormality of R. microporus. Results showed that rhizobacteria, applied singly or as a mixture, had the same effect as the synthetic fungicide treatment on the initial appearance of pathogen colonization in the stem base. Nonetheless, in line with plant growth, the presence of rhizobacteria significantly suppressed the colonization and infection rate of the pathogen in the treated plants. Eight months after inoculation, rhizobacteria inhibited R. microporus colonization and infection, particularly in the mixed treatment, and suppressed WRR disease, reaching 92.11%. In addition, it positively increased plant growth, biomass, and enzyme activity compared to fungicide and control treatments. This research highlights that S. surfactantfaciens and B. intermedia applications can control WRR, improve plant growth, and induce plant resistance that supports rubber plant health.