Research progress of biocontrol microbial strains in prevention of cotton wilt disease

Abstract:

Cotton Verticillium wilt is the most serious disease affecting cotton cultivation, which could cause a significant decrease in cotton yield or even complete crop failure. Cotton Verticillium wilt is caused by the filamentous fungus Verticillium dahliae. The traditional chemical control affects public health and brings about environmental pollution, and the continuous usage has induced the drug resistance of Verticillium dahliae. Therefore, it is urgent to develop environmental friendly and sustainable development control strategies against cotton Verticillium wilt. Biological control has become a good choice to prevent cotton Verticillium wilt. Based on the analysis of the recent research progress, this review discussed the screening, mechanism of action and field application of biocontrol microbial strains against cotton Verticillium wilt, and summarized the research progress of biocontrol microorganisms inhibiting the growth of pathogen through various mechanisms such as competition, antibiotic action, and inducing plant defense response. Although the application prospects of biocontrol microorganisms are expected, they still face challenges such as environmental adaptability, stability, and usage costs of these biocontrol microorganisms. To further improve the practicality of biocontrol microbial strains in agricultural production, future research should focus on genetic improvement of biocontrol microorganisms, development, and application of the microbial agents and so on.

Key words:biocontrol microbial strains;cotton wilt disease;Verticillium dahliae;action mechanism;application