Screening and evaluation of potential biocontrol fungi and bacteria foliar endophytes against Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora parasitica on pepper

A total of 102 bacterial and 20 fungal strains were isolated from the pepper leaves and their antagonistic activity was evaluated in a dual culture assay for the percentage of mycelia inhibition in PDA, IAA production, promoter effect and their antagonism for blight and root rot in pots against Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora parasitica. Six strains effectively inhibited P. capsici and P. parasitica infection on pepper plants. After molecular analysis, three strains were identified as Serratia marcescens and two as Bacillus cereus. Our results showed that these strains can protect plants against blight caused by the Phytophthora species in greenhouse-grown pepper.