Biological control of Fusarium graminearum on wheat by antagonistic bacteria

Bacillus subtilis strains 53 and 71, Pseudomonas fluorescens biov1 strain 32 and Streptomyces sp. Strain 3 were evaluated as potential biological agents for control of fusarium head blight (FHB) caused by Fusarium graminearum. Mycelial growth of the pathogen was reduced by cell free and volatile metabolites of bacterial antagonists by 37%-97%. Streptomyces sp. Strain 3 reduced disease severity of FHB 21 d after inoculation. The yield of wheat from plants treated with Streptomyces sp. strain 3 and F. graminearum was significantly greater than in controls inoculated with the pathogen alone. Treatments with Streptomyces sp. alone increased the yield of wheat compared to the uninoculated controls.