ANTIFUNGAL AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF RHIZOBACTERIAL MICROFLORA

Rhizospheric microorganisms like bacteria and fungi are renowned in enhancing the growth of crop plants and to inhibit other hurtful soil micro-organisms. Current research investigations were undertaken to explore such type of rhizobacteria from rice soil. Inhibitory effect of these bacteria was checked against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae and Agrobacterium tumifacians. Research outcomes unveiled that all tested rhizobacterial isolates exerted antagonistic effect against both the tested pathogens. They produced 0.8% to 1.68% inhibitory zone against fungus and 20 to 40 % against bacteria. It can be therefore, assumed that these antagonistic bacterial strains may be employed as biocontrol inoculants against fungal and bacterial diseases of agricultural crops. Kee words: Rhizobacteria, biocontrol, diseases, fungi and crops.