Audi Jude B. Berame Janelle Lilith G. Fernandez de Leon Edmund Rios V. Tan (April 2015)
Philippine Science High School Western Visayas Campus – Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PSHS WVC), Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000, Philippines
ABSTRACT
Banana is an important plant growing in the Philippines. However, a disease known as Fusarium Wilt, cause by the fungus Fisarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is endangering the banana industry. Biocontrol is the use of microorganisms like bacteria to suppress diseases Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis are two known effective BCA’s present. Combining two effective BCA’s together may enhance the degree of suppression of diseases. This study evaluated the potential of the combination of P. fluorescens and B. subtilis as biocontrol agents against Fusarium Wilt of banana. The parameters in this study were root colonization, leaf severity index (LSI), and rhizome discoloration index (RDI). Data for root colonization were obtained by examining the roots of the plants in 0, 3, 10, 17, and 24 days after inoculation. Presence of a Foc colony is scored positive and negative if otherwise. Data for LSI and RDI were collected by observing the leaves of the plants every week for five weeks, and thizomes of the plants for the fifth week. They were rated based scales of 1-5 and 1-8 respectively, with one as the healthiest leaf/rhizome The combination of the bacteria were scored negative for all root examinations, but it was equally effective when used when it comes to LSI and RDL Therefore, we concluded that the combination of the bacteria P. fluorescens and B. subtilis is a potential biocontrol agent. The study showed that combining the two bacteria is more effective in treating Fusarium Wilt than using the bacteria individually.