Interactions between biosurfactant-producing Pseudomonas and Phytophthora species

Fluorescent <i>Pseudomonas</i> bacteria produce a wide variety of antimicrobial metabolites, including soap-like compounds referred to as biosurfactants. The results of this thesis showed that biosurfactant-producing <i>Pseudomonas</i> bacteria are effective in controlling Phytophthora foot rot disease of black pepper in Vietnam and promote root and shoot development of the ‘King of Spices’. Biosurfactant-producing <i>P. fluorescens</i> strain SS101 was also effective in controlling tomato late blight caused by <i>Phytophthora infestans.</i> Current and future studies focus on how to implement these biocontrol agents in an integrated management practice to control Phytophthora diseases. The broad-spectrum activity of these antagonistic <i>Pseudomonas</i> bacteria and their biosurfactants also provide new opportunities to apply these agents for the protection and growth promotion of other crops