Characterisation of Trichoderma spp. and rhizobacteria strains isolated from the rhizosphere of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in the Menoua Division, Western Cameroon
Paper Details
Characterisation of Trichoderma spp. and rhizobacteria strains isolated from the rhizosphere of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in the Menoua Division, Western Cameroon
Abstract
Grey mould, caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers., is the most devastating fungal disease of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), causing yield losses of 50–80% under favourable conditions. Chemical fungicides remain the predominant control strategy, however, they drive the emergence of resistant strains and raise serious environmental, and food safety concerns. Biological alternatives based on plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and Trichoderma spp. represent ecologically sound options with proven efficacy. This study aimed to isolate and biochemically characterizes indigenous microbial strains from the strawberry rhizosphere. To evaluate their plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, namely indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production and inorganic phosphate solubilization. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected from four strawberry farms in the Dschang, Western Region of Cameroon, micro orgarnisms were isolated and analysed. A total of 14 fungal and 37 bacterial isolates were obtained. All strains produced IAA and solubilized inorganic phosphate in liquid NBRIP medium. Among fungal isolates, strain D3 (Trichoderma spp) was the highest IAA producer (431.6 ± 34.5 µg/mL), while D2 (Trichoderma spp) exhibited the greatest phosphate solubilization capacity (1523.13 ± 34.7 mg/L). Within the bacterial collection, strain A6 (Coccis gram+ purple coloring) produced the highest IAA concentration (172.6 ± 51.3 µg/mL), and A5 (Coccis gram+ purple coloring) displayed the greatest phosphate-solubilizing activity (1612.49 ± 106.2 mg/L). The remarkably high phosphate solubilization values recorded across both collections reflects selective pressure exerted by ferrallitic, iron and aluminium-oxide-rich soils. These findings identify promising biofertilizer candidates, particularly strains of D3, D2, (Trichoderma sp) A6, A5, (Coccis gram+) for integration into sustainable strawberry production systems in Cameroon.
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Francine Tchinda Nindie*, Asafor Henry Chotangui, Kouam Idriss Djoko Frank, Mvondo Awono Jean Pierre, 2026. Characterisation of Trichoderma spp. and rhizobacteria strains isolated from the rhizosphere of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) in the Menoua Division, Western Cameroon. Int. J. Agron. Agric. Res., 28(6), 19-27.
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