Disease Suppressive Mechanisms of Antagonistic Bacteria against Phytophthorn capsici causing Phytophthora Blight of Pepper

In our previous studies, we selected three antagonistic bacteria, KJ1R5, KJ2C12, and KJ9C8 against Phytophthora capsici, the casual agent of Phytophthora blight of pepper. For elucidating production, root colonization, and total microbial activity were investigated. The dual culture assay was accomplished to elucidate existence of antibiotics. In this assay, any antagonistic bacteria did not inhibit growth of six important fungal plant pathogens, suggesting that these antagonists do not produce antibiotics. root surface or rhizosphere soil colonizations were examined with spontaneous rifampicin-resistant mutants equal to antagonistic ability of wild types. KJ2C12 colonized consistently rhizosphere soil while yellowish colonies of KJ1R5 and KJ9C8 well colonized root surfaces and rhizosphere soil. Total microbial activity in pots treated with the antagonistic bacteria was measured using fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis. total microbial activity of three antagonistic bacteria treatments was significantly higher than that of buffer-treated control until 4days after treatment. However, total microbial activity of treatment of three antagonistic bacteria decreased after 7 days. These results indicate that the antagonistic bacteria, KJ1R5 and KJ9C8 colonized and protected roots well against Phytophthora blight of pepper through competition of infection courts, especially competitions.