Biological control of stem canker and black scurf of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) using antagonistic microorganisms and commercial biofungicides

Document Type : Research article

Authors

Agricultural Botany Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, 71524 Assiut, Egypt

10.21608/aasj.2025.455609

Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops worldwide, valued for its nutritional quality, accessibility, and economic importance. It is a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, essential amino acids, and carbohydrates, while being relatively low in energy content. However, potato production is significantly constrained by fungal diseases, among which Rhizoctonia solani—the causal agent of stem canker and black scurf—is of major concern due to its wide host range and global distribution. This study evaluated the management of R. solani both in vitro and in vivo using fungal bio-agents, bacterial isolates, and commercial biofungicides. The fungal antagonists tested included Trichoderma harzianum (7 and 10) and T. asperellum. The bacterial antagonists included Pseudomonas fluorescens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megaterium, and Paenibacillus polymyxa. Commercial biofungicides tested were T34 (Biocontrol), Bio-Arc, and Bio-Zeid. All treatments demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against R. solani. In vitro, P. fluorescens, P. polymyxa, T. asperellum, and T34 (Biocontrol) produced the highest inhibition of mycelial growth. In vivo experiments during the 2021/2022 season confirmed that these bio-agents and biofungicides significantly reduced the severity of stem canker and black scurf compared with untreated controls. Overall, biological agents and commercial biofungicides proved to be highly effective, safe, and eco-friendly alternatives for managing R. solani in potato production.

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Archives of Agriculture Sciences Journal
Volume 8, Issue 2
August 2025
Pages 113-123

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