Performance of biological control agents in the control of soybean pathogens

Abstract

Abstract Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merrill) is the main oilseed crop produced worldwide. The oil and protein extracted from its grains serve as the basis for human and animal nutrition and as raw materials for biofuel production. Brazil holds the position of the largest producer and exporter of this commodity. However, some factors limit high yields, such as diseases, which are commonly managed with chemical pesticides that lead to ecosystem contamination and selection of resistant organisms. Given the demand for more sustainably produced food, biological inputs emerge as an alternative. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of isolates of B. velezensis, B. megaterium, and T. longibrachiatum in the biocontrol of pathogens affecting soybean crops, as well as its potential for phosphorus and potassium solubilization, and its ability to induce resistance in plants. The experiments were conducted at the Federal University of Technology - Paraná, Dois Vizinhos Campus. In vitro confrontations were carried out using four biocontrol agent isolates against the pathogens C. truncatum, C. kikuchii, S. glycines, S. sclerotiorum, M. phaseolina, R. solani, D. longicolla, and F. tucumaniae. The experimental design was completely randomized with four replications. The data obtained were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, ANOVA, followed by regression analysis using the Rbio software. The results indicate that the isolates of. B. velezensis, B megaterium, and T. longibrachiatum exhibit in vitro antagonistic effects against the tested pathogens.