Pot-based Evaluation of the Bioprotective Potential of a Consortium of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Endophytic Bacteria in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Tobolbaï Richard *
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Baïbelpouya Innocent Joris
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Ntsama Mama Patrict Joël
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Ogotiga Ida Carine
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Nafact Temation Vanelle
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Nkalle Njumé Kelvine
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Temegne Nono Carine
Department of Plant Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1. P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Warnings about the dangers of using chemical pesticides are increasing and have already led to the prohibition of many of these products. This situation calls for alternative solutions that are more environmentally friendly and safer for human health. This study was a pot experiment using a non-randomised block factorial design to measure the effectiveness of a consortium of beneficial microorganisms in protecting tomatoes against disease. The effects of applying these microorganisms on disease incidence, attack severity, and the degree of stunting in leaves and stems were measured. Analysis of the results showed, first, that the soil used in the study was fairly acidic (pH: 5.2), low in nitrogen (0.04%), and low in organic matter (1.43%); and second, that the level of protection of the seedlings against pathogen attacks was significantly high. In fact, while disease incidence was 100% in the control plants, it was around 19% in those treated with microbial consortia; similarly, disease severity was 8.5% in the controls and decreased to 0.33% in the plants that received the microbial consortium. Thus, beneficial microorganisms represent promising alternatives to chemical pesticides.
Keywords: Bioprotection, disease, tomato, microbial consortia