In vitro formation of associated biofilms by trichoderma spp. and plant growth promoting bacteria (pgpb)

The capability to formation of combined biofilms by the fungi from Trichoderma genus and several PGP-bacteria including Pseudomonas extremaustralis, P. koreensis, P. mandelii and Advenella kashmirensis has been demonstrated. The strains of Trichoderma used in the experiment not only exert antagonism to phytopathogenic fungi, but also accelerate the decomposition of plant residues. It was found that microscopic fungi whose mycelial structure offers advantages in reaching and assimilating of nutrient substrates, during their growth can favor to directional moving of bacteria cells. The explored bacterial strains moved along the fungal mycelium on the surface of the medium, and in areas where the medium was absent, the bacteria moved inside the hyphae, leaving them when the mycelium reached the substrate. The findings evidence the potential of considered microorganisms for developing of a new generation multifunctional biopreparation for agriculture, contributing not only to crop yield increase and plant protection against phytopathogenic fungi, but also maintaining soil fertility.