Biocontrol of Phytophthora Root Rot of Angelica Trees by Enterobacter cloacae and Serratia ficaria Strains

Bacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of angelica trees were evaluated for their antagonistic activity against Phytophthora cactorum, a causal agent of Phytophthora root rot. Of these, three bacterial strains, designated as T-1-8, T-1-14 and T-1-23, strongly inhibited mycelial growth of P. cactorum ARE-862 in a dual-culture plate assay. Biocontrol activity of these strains was then examined by dipping root of young seedlings of angelica trees into a bacterial suspension. The incidence of Phytophthora root rot was markedly suppressed for at least 79 days in pot tests when treated seedlings were planted in naturally infested soil. The suppression was maintained through June of the next year. In addition, these strains significantly reduced the development of Phytophthora root rot up to 47 days in naturally infested field and up to 63 days (the last day of testing) in an artificially (moderately) infested field. Based on their main bacteriological properties, strain T-1-14 was identified as Enterobacter cloacae and T-1-8 and T-1-23 were identified as Serratia ficaria. Received 5 July 1999/ Accepted in revised form 25 October 1999