| Abstrakt: |
The efficacy of Azospirillum argentinense REC3, applied by seed inoculation, in enhancing soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) nodulation with native rhizobia, improving grain yield, and protecting against Fusarium fungi was studied. In La Cruz, Tucumán, Argentina, 23 fungal isolates were identified as F. oxysporum (2 strains), F. solani (2), and F. tucumaniae (19). Following soil infestation, only F. tucumaniae was confirmed as a phytopathogen, with REC3 inhibiting its mycelial growth. Greenhouse trials, for a duration of 30 days, showed significant reductions in disease severity (78.2%), root rot (32.3%), and disease incidence (50.9%) in plants susceptible to sudden death syndrome (SDS) when REC3 was applied. Field experiments (2018–2019; January-April) under drought stress conditions, displayed increased nodulation (37.2%) and grain yield (2077 ± 272.8 kg ha−1, p < 0.05) in REC3-treated plants compared to controls (1516 ± 272.8 kg ha−1, p < 0.05). Additionally, a low disease incidence (0.90%) was observed only in the SDS-susceptible soybean variety without REC3 treatment. Overall, the findings showed the significant potential of REC3 inoculation as a biotechnological strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity, managing diseases, and improving crop resilience under challenging environmental conditions. This integrated approach, combining the use of a partially SDS-resistant soybean variety with REC3 inoculation, showed promise in protecting soybean cultivation against SDS and other fungal diseases, thereby ensuring more sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
