Biological Method to Control Pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Strains

Researchers at the French National Agricultural Research Institute (INRA) have developed a biological method to control pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum. Fusarium oxysporum is a common fungus that is found in soils throughout the world. Some of its numerous strains are pathogenic, while others are non-pathogenic and can protect plants against infection by a pathogenic strain. This protection phenomenon has been known for many years, and scientists have now isolated a strain called Fo47 which provides particularly efficient protection.

The INRA researchers have studied how strain Fo47 could be introduced directly into the soil, and in particular examined the conditions for its persistence. The researchers found that Fo47 was capable of developing in different types of soil, and its introduction had very little impact on the microbiological equilibrium of the soil measured after one year. These findings mean that Fo47 is a good candidate for the development of a biological agent to control pathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum.

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