Potential of Plant Growth –Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) as a Sustainable Strategy for Managing Tomato Root Rot
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Biological control with (PGPB) is a renewable and eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for managing soil-borne diseases. In this study, Bacillus cereus, Arthrobacter sp., and their combination were tested against Fusarium wilt in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) under healthy and diseased conditions. The combined application of B. cereus and Arthrobacter sp. was the most effective against Fusarium rot, reducing the disease index to 17.5% (79.4% protection). The treatment of B. cereus + Arthrobacter sp. recorded the highest total chlorophyll ( 34.26±0.43 mg g⁻¹ of plant tissue), shoot and root length (122.00± 1.32 and 41.00 ± 2 cm, respectively) as well as shoot fresh and dry weight (57.03±0.9g and 19.62±0.2 g, respectively) and root fresh and dry weight (32.9±0.3g and 13.13±0.2g respectively). On the other hand, the greatest content of free proline content ( 8.33±0.57 mg g ¹ of plant tissue) and total phenolic compounds (153.34±0.01mgg-1tissue), peroxidase (0.44 min g⁻¹of plant tissue), polyphenol oxidase (0.89 min per gram of plant tissue) enzymes in tomato leaves were recorded by the treatment of both bacterial strains associated with the pathogenic fungus. Soil enzyme analyses revealed a significant increase in dehydrogenase (1.150 TPF g⁻¹ dry rhizosphere soil⁻¹ day⁻¹) in the treatment of B. cereus + Arthrobacter sp. treatment. While chitinase and protease activities decreased to 0.63±0.01 and 2.77±0.28c U g-1 h 1, respectively, in the same treatment due to the absence of pathogenic fungus. Anatomical studies confirmed that bacterial inoculations enhanced the size of xylem and phloem tissues.
Authors: Rasha Samir Mohamed, Mona Fekry Ghazal, Mohamed Salah Attia, Ahmed Eissa Ghoniem, Walaa Hassan Ismael
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7160773540