Research Article Open Access

Biological Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Causal Agent of Sunflower Head and Stem Rot Disease, by Use of Soil borne Actinomycetes Isolates

F. Baniasadi1, G. H. Shahidi Bonjar2, A. Baghizadeh3, A. Karimi Nik4, M. Jorjandi1, S. Aghighi2 and P. Rashid Farokhi5
  • 1 Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
  • 2 Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran
  • 3 International Center for Science, High Technology and Environmental Sciences, Iran
  • 4 Department of Microbiology, Islamic Azad University, Kerman Branch, Iran
  • 5 Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran

Abstract

Problem statement: High level of biosafety and non adverse effects on the environment of biocontrol strategies of pest management, are priorities of tomorrow's world agriculture. Actinomycetes are active biocontrol agents due to their antagonistic properties against wide range of plant pathogens particularly fungi. Fungal pathogens are liable for a big part of damages in agriculture economy. Approach: In the present research antifungal bioactivity of 50 isolates of Actinomycetes collected from soils of Kerman province of Iran was investigated against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.), the causal agent of stem rot in sunflower, through agar disc method and dual culture bioassays. The Streptomyces isolate No. 363 was propagated in submerged cultures and active crude was prepared upon which several biological characterizations performed. Greenhouse studies were achieved to confirm laboratory results. Results: Among the tested Streptomyces isolates, 10 isolates revealed antagonistic properties in dual culture procedure from which isolate No. 363 showed highest bioactivity. The active metabolite of Streptomyces isolate No. 363 was polar and well soluble in H2O. Using agar-disc method, progressive growth of the pathogen was highly reduced by the antagonist through exhibiting ability to constitute fungus-free zones of inhibitions. The results indicated that isolate No. 363 was a proper candidate for field biocontrol studies. Conclusion: Results may open a horizon for production of resistant transgenic plants having antifungal properties originated from biologically active Streptomyces spp. recognition and production of effective metabolite(s) of Streptomyces spp. which was responsible for antifungal activities will be our commercial goal due to rich reserves of soil borne Actinomycetes in Iran.

American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences
Volume 4 No. 2, 2009, 146-151

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajabssp.2009.146.151

Submitted On: 17 April 2009 Published On: 30 June 2009

How to Cite: Baniasadi, F., Shahidi Bonjar, G. H., Baghizadeh, A., Nik, A. K., Jorjandi, M., Aghighi, S. & Rashid Farokhi, P. (2009). Biological Control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Causal Agent of Sunflower Head and Stem Rot Disease, by Use of Soil borne Actinomycetes Isolates . American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, 4(2), 146-151. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajabssp.2009.146.151

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Keywords

  • Actinomycetes
  • biocontrol
  • sclerotinia sclerotiorum
  • streptomyces
  • sunflower