Interaction between arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobacteria in chili (Capsicum annuum L.) plants infected with phytopathogens that cause damping off

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of single or combined inoculations of three rhizobacteria strains and a mycorrhizae consortium in chili seedlings infected with phytopathogens that cause damping off.

Design/methodology/approach: Guajillo chili seeds were used in this experiment. In addition, three growth-promoting rhizobacteria strains and an arbuscular mycorrhizae fungal consortium were used as beneficial microorganisms, while Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia sp. were used as phytopathogens. The following variables were evaluated 53 days after emergence: dry weight (mg plant^-1), leaf phosphorous and nitrogen content (mg plant-1), and the percentage of total mycorrhizal colonization (%). Each variable was subjected to a one-way ANOVA. Afterwards, the post hoc test of the Tukey method was used to compare the results, considering that P < 0.05 values were significant.

Results: Overall, the single or combined inoculation of the B8, B14, B23, and Glomus spp. (Zac-19) strains efficiently controlled damping off. These treatments recorded a higher dry matter production and nutrient content than chili plants infected with phytopathogens to which no beneficial microorganisms were applied.

Limitations on study/implications: The seedlings could have been transplanted into larger containers.

Findings/conclusions: The beneficial microorganisms had a positive effect on the growth and health of the guajillo chili seedlings. Consequently, their use is a biotechnological alternative to control damping off.