The aim of this work was to evaluate the rhizobacteria effect on cucumber seedling growth and in the control of damping-off disease Pythium aphanidermatum. In laboratory, the following tests were carried out: degradation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC); colonization of cucumber root system; and, the capacity to antagonize the pathogen. The best isolates were identified through determination of 16S rDNA gene sequences. Thirty-seven isolates, among 165 tested, enhanced the dry weight of cucumber plants in up to 63%. From these 37, only one isolate (N13 - Pseudomonas fluorescens) reduced the incidence of pre-emergence damping-off disease by 25%; 21 isolates antagonized P. aphanidermatum in vitro, colonized the cucumber roots, and degradated ACC, as the only source of nitrogen. Out of ten most effective isolates, five were identified as members of the genus Bacillus, four of Pseudomonas and one of Stenotrophomonas. Out of the 165 tested rhizobacteria isolates, seven have potential to promote cucumber plant growth, and one to control P. aphanidermatum damping-off disease.
Pythium aphanidermatum; ACC; root colonization; biological control
