Effects of Fusarium verticillioides and Lactobacillus Strains Inoculation on Growth and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Zea mays Plants

The current research based on greenhouse experiment evaluates the impact of the Lactobacillus strains (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus paralimentaris, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus pentosus, and Lactobacillus buchneri) previously isolated from maize silage on the Fusarium verticillioides-infected maize plants. The growth parameters as well as catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, and peroxidase antioxidant enzymes activity were investigated in one-month old seedlings, after inoculations with Fusarium or co-inoculations with Fusarium and the Lactobacillus strains. Application of Lactobacillus strains in maize seedlings significantly enhanced the plant growth and biomass. The best effect was observed when the L. buchneri was applied. It was revealed that inoculation with Fusarium stimulated antioxidant enzyme activity and co-inoculation with Lactobacillus strains reduced the enzyme activity, compared to Fusarium treatment alone. This is the first report that revealed the bioprotective role of Lactobacillus strains against F. verticillioides.