Growth Inhibition of Botrytis spp. by Serratia marcescens B2 Isolated from Tomato Phylloplane

Abstract

Serratia marcescens (isolate B2 from tomato phylloplane) inhibited markedly the growth of Botrytis allii, B. byssoidea, B. cinerea, B. fabae and B. tulipae on LB agar medium containing colloidal chitin. The conidial germination and hyphal growth of B. cinerea and B. fabae were also suppressed by culture filtrate of the bacterium. The inhibitory effect of the bacterium correlated with its chitinolytic activity. On leaf disks of broad bean, the bacterium could control chocolate spot disease caused by B. fabae. These results indicate the possibility of using S. marcescens as a biocontrol agent for Botrytis spp.