TEST OF IN VITRO ANTAGONISM OF SOME STRAINS OF PAENIBACILLUS POLYMYXA TOWARDS STRAIN OF FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. ALBEDINIS AGENT OF THE FUSARIOSE OF THE DATE PALM

The effect of Paenibacillus polymyxa (syn. Bacillus polymyxa) on control of phoenix, bayoud caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis was investigated. In an in vitro assay, seven strains of P. polymyxa (SGK2, SGK20, SGD1, SGZ8 and SGH1) were tested against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis. The antifungal effect of our strains was studied on PDA media and King B under illumination and in the dark. Strains P. polymyxa SGT12, SGD8 and SGD1 have the ability to inhibit the F.o.a. on two media PDA and King B in the dark. In contrast strain SGZ8 inhibits the fungus only in King B medium. Unlike strains SGK2, SGK20 and SGH1 have the ability to inhibit the F.o.a. on the PDA medium. The test of confrontation on King B under illumination has not allowed the selection of strains P. polymyxa inhibitory F.o.a. It seemed interesting to note that inhibition of F.o.a. could remain over time on PDA media and King B.
These results showed that P. polymyxa is potentially a biocontrol agent for use in controlling of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis in vivo.