Tomato production faces significant challenges due to fungal diseases, particularly Botrytis cinerea, the causal agent of gray mold. This pathogen leads to severe yield losses and compromises fruit quality, making effective management strategies essential. Chemical fungicides are widely used but raise concerns regarding environmental impact and resistance development. In this context, biological control using beneficial bacteria presents a promising alternative. This study aimed to evaluate the antagonistic potential of Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp isolates against B. cinerea. In vitro assays demonstrated that isolates PF26 and PF27 exhibited strong inhibition, reducing fungal growth by up to 61.59%, primarily through the production of volatile compounds. Additionally, enzymatic analysis revealed that PF2 and PF27 possessed lipase activity, which may contribute to fungal membrane disruption. These findings highlight the potential of Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp as an eco-friendly biocontrol agent for sustainable tomato production.
HAJI et al. (Tue,) studied this question.