Influence of different biological control agents and compost on total and nitrification-driven microbial communities at rhizosphere and soil level in a lettuce - Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lactucae pathosystem

Aims: The response of rhizosphere and bulk soil indigenous microbial communities focusing on nitrifiers was evaluated after the application of different biological control agents (BCAs; Bacillus, Trichoderma, Pseudomonas) and compost in controlling lettuce Fusarium wilt. Methods and results: Experiments were conducted 'in situ' over two lettuce cropping seasons. Total fungal, bacterial and archaeal populations and the nitrifiers were analysed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. The pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis lactucae (FOL), Bacillus, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas and three antifungal genes (chiA, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol - phlD and HCN synthase - hcnAB genes) were also assessed. Quantitative data were corroborated with disease severity (DS), potential nitrification activity and soil chemical parameters. The application of BCAs and compost resulted in the disease reduction by as much as 69%, confirmed by significant negative correlations between Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma and Pseudomonas sp. abundances and DS. The FOL presence in the untreated control resulted in the nitrifiers niche differentiation. Conclusions: The used treatments were efficient against Fusarium wilt and did not influence negatively the nontarget microbial communities. Significance and impact of the study: The use of BCAs and compost appears as an effective and safe strategy to implement sustainable agricultural practices.