Bioassay for massal assessing of antagonistic actinomycetes against Ralstonia solanacearum on tomato crop

Abstract

The antagonistic potential of 190 actinomycetes isolated from rhizosphere, rhizoplane and root tissue (endophytics) of tomato was assessed against Ralstonia solanacearum. Tomato seeds were treated with propagules suspension of these actinomycetes in agitation for ten minutes and then, sowed in R. solanacearum naturally infested soil. The plants were grown at 28^oC for 45 days, for wilting control, and the percentage of infected plants was recorded. Eighteen actinomycetes showed 100% of control. The best way of inoculation of the antagonists, such as in seeds, in roots or seeds and root soaking was evaluated. The most efficient way of application (control percentage) was by dipping the seeds in a propagules suspension of actinomycetes.