Bacterial endophytes inhabiting desert plants provide protection against seed rot caused by Fusarium verticillioides and promote growth in maize

Abstract BACKGROUND Fusarium maize ear and root rot disease caused by Fusarium verticillioides has become one of the most serious fungal diseases associated with maize production. Due to their abilities to promote plant development and manage diseases, bacterial endophytes provide a more promising approach for treating this vascular disease. RESULTS This work was undertaken for the selection and identification of promising isolates as plant growth promoters and biocontrol agents against F. verticillioides in maize agroecosystems. A screening procedure consisting of in vitro and in situ tests was applied to 27 endophytic strains originating from desert plants: Euphorbia antiquorum , Calotropis procera , and Alcasia albida . In vitro studies indicated that the bacteria exhibited variable results in biocontrol, endophytism, and plant growth‐promoting traits. In addition, in situ plant growth promotion and biocontrol experiments allowed the identification of the most promising bacterial endophytes. In vitro and in situ comparative study results indicated a low correlation. Our data revealed that in situ screening must be used as the method of selection of biocontrol agents against Fusarium ear and root rot disease. Based on in situ results, seven potent strains were selected and identified as Bacillus subtilis , Bacillus velezensis , Bacillus tequilensis , Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Klebsiella pneumoniae . CONCLUSION The results of this study showed that the selected strains seem to be promising candidates to be exploited as biofertilizers and biocontrol agents against Fusarium maize ear and root rot disease. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.