ABSTRACT
The bacterial wilt of common bean, caused by Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens pv. flaccumfaciens(Cff) is one of the most severe diseases affecting Phaseolus vulgaris production worldwide. This study aimed at evaluating the biocontrol potential of strains of rhizobacteria against bacterial wilt of common bean. Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene was used to identify Cff isolates and also the bacterial antagonists. A soft agar overlay assay was used to select three biocontrol isolates based on their antagonistic activity against Cff. Our findings demonstrate that seed treatment using rhizobacterial P. fluorescens, Bacillus cereus, and Paenibacillus polymyxa species coupled with foliar application significantly reduced Cff disease incidence and disease severity. Therefore, biocontrol methods are potentially a safe, effective, and sustainable alternative to chemicals for controlling bacterial wilt of beans.
