Bacillus spp as a biological control agent against panama disease in banana

Abstract

The decreased productivity levels in crop production as a consequence of disease infection have been a great concern amongst agricultural communities. A similar threat is facing the banana-cultivating community due to Panama disease. Panama disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum and losses in banana crops have been broadly reported across continental boundaries. A Bacillus spp. isolate, which demonstrated inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum during in vitroexperiments, has been identified. Greenhouse trials with two banana cultivars (cvs Williams and Grand Nain) further confirmed the ability of the isolate to inhibit the proliferation of fungal pathogens. These findings have provided an opportunity for the development of a microbial product to address plant infections caused by Fusarium oxysporum