Biocontrol of Fusarium wilt by Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, and Rhizobium sp on lentil

The present study examined the effects of Bacillus pumilus, Pseudomonas alcaligenes, and Rhizobium sp. on wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lentis and on the growth of lentil. Inoculation with E oxysporum caused significant wilting, and reduced plant growth, the number of pods, and nodulation. Inoculation with B. pumilus together with P alcaligenes caused a greater increase in plant growth, number of pods, nodulation, and root colonization by rhizobacteria, and also reduced Fusarium wilting to a greater degree than did individual inoculation. Use of Rhizobium sp. resulted in a greater increase in plant growth, number of pods, and nodulation, and reduced wilting more than B. pumilus did. Combined application of B. pumilus and P. alcaligenes with Rhizobium sp: resulted in the greatest increase in plant growth, number of pods, nodulation, and root colonization by rhizobacteria, and also reduced wilting in Fusarium-inoculated plants.