Effect of interaction between Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani on damping-off and root rot disease of Tetraclinis articulata seedlings

In the greenhouse, mixed inoculation of Tetraclinis articulata (Vahl) Mast.) with Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. caused remarkable damping-off and root rot compared to simple inoculation with one of the two pathogens. Root and stem infections caused significant reduction in plant growth. Root system total length was reduced by 36 to 43% and shoot height losses by 28 to 39%. Plants inoculated by one pathogen were shorter than control plants or inoculated plants by both pathogens. Disease severity ratings for plants infested with the pathogens mixture also were greater than with either pathogen alone up to 62 days post-inoculation. R. solani and F. solani interact synergistically, causing severe damping-off and root rot in T. articulata seedlings.