The response of Fusarium oxysporum to dithane M-45 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The interaction of the fungicide Dithane M-45 (active ingredient mancozeb), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain not sensitive to the compound, was studied. Pseudomonas aeruginosa produced a fungicidal compound inhibiting the growth of Fusarium oxysporum. Simultaneously Pseudomonas aeruginosa degraded the EBIS (ethyleneisothiocyaniane) formed from the spontaneous decomposition of the fungicide which is highly toxic for Fusarium oxysporum. When the fungicide was used as seed dressing together with the bacteria the inhibition of the fungus was reduced to the interaction of both fungicidal compounds.