Biological control of strawberry crown rot, root rot and grey mould by the beneficial fungus Aureobasidium pullulans

• DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-210660/v1
• Publication Date: 2021-03-01T20:14:25Z
• Authors: Mudassir Iqbal; Maha Jamshaid; Muhammad Awais Zahid; Erik Andreasson; Ramesh R. Vetukuri; Johan A. Stenberg
• Keywords: Aureobasidium pullulans; Phytophthora cactorum; Pathogenic fungus; Botrytis; Root rot; Fragaria; Phyllosphere

Abstract Utilization of biocontrol agents is a sustainable approach to reduce plant diseases caused by fungal pathogens. In the present study, we tested effect candidate fungus Aureobasidium pullulans (De Bary) G. Armaud on strawberry under in vitro and vivo conditions control, crown rot, root rot grey mould Phytophthora cactorum (Lebert Cohn) Botrytis cinerea Pers respectively. A dual plate confrontation assay showed that mycelial growth P. B. was reduced 33- 48% when challenged A. as compared with control treatments. Likewise, detached leaf fruit assays significantly necrotic lesion size leaves disease severity fruits . addition, greenhouse experiments whole plants revealed enhanced efficacy against treated either combination pathogen or pre-treated followed inoculation Our results demonstrate an effective agent pathogens can be alternative chemical-based fungicides.