Rhizobacteria of the fluorescent group of Pseudomonas spp. were selected for both their capacity in the growth promotion of lettuce seedlings (Lactuca sativa L.) and antagonistic activity against Pythium aphanidermatum from test in vitro. Then, in hydroponic system was assayed the previous application of the Pseudomonas strains in order to reduce damages caused by P. aphanidermatum in cucumber (Cucumis sativus) for induced systemic resistance (ISR), using a technical split-root. The variables shoots and roots dry weight and root length were used in evaluation. The production of antagonistic and/or growth promoters compounds by rhizobacteria strains was observed to associate its activity with the results obtained in the tests under hydroponic system and in vitro conditions. In the in vitro experiment, strains Ps 140B and Ps 140C provided the largest development of plants (root and hypocotyls) in the treatments with and without pathogen. Some strains tested indicating a possible expression of ISR in in vivo experiments. No correspondence among the compounds produced by rhizobacteria, plant growth promotion and bioprotection was detected.
Pseudomonas spp.; Pythium aphanidermatum; Lactuca sativa L.; Cucumis sativus L.; hidrolytic enzymes
