Antagonistic Effects of Pseudomonas spp. against Turfgrass Pathogenic Soil Fungi

Bacterial isolates collected from rhizosphere of turfgrass showed strong in vitro antagonistic activities against a number of turfgrass soilborne pathogens such as Rhizoctonia cerealis, R. solani AG-1(1B), Sclerotinia homoeocarpa and Typhula incarnata. In vivo study, four bacterial isolates selected have control values over 60% against one or more turfgrass pathogenic fungi. The antagonistic effects of the bacterial isolates varied depending on fungal species, host plant, and disease pressure, indicating that control effects of the antagonists could be variable depending on field conditions. They were classified as belonging to the genus Pseudomonas species, based on morphological and biochemical characteristics as well as 16S rRNA analysis. The four bacterial isolates are under a study for finding proper cultural conditions and determination formulation type.