Abstract

RIVERA, MC et al. Promotion of growth and control of damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani) of greenhouse tomatoes amended with vermicompost. Phyton (B. Aires) [online]. 2004, vol.73, pp.229-235. ISSN 1851-5657.

The pathogen Rhizoctonia solani (teleomorph Tanatephorus cucumeris) can affect tomatoes germination and emergence and cause basal rot of seedlings. It is generally accepted that composts suppress plant diseases, improve soil nutrient availability and stimulate plant growth. However, no reports have been found on the simultaneous evaluation of vermicompost as plant growth promoter and suppressive to damping-off caused by R. solani on tomatoes. This research evaluated the suppressive effects of different concentrations of vermicompost against R. solani and the ability of vermicompost to promote tomato seedlings growth. The microbial composition of the substratum was explored. Thirty six microorganisms were isolated, 13 of which were antagonic to R.solani in vitro. The addition of 25 to 100% of vermicompost promoted seedlings growth and prevented damping-off caused by R. solani.

Keywords : antagonism; bacteria; biological control; disease incidence; fungi.

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