Root and Stem Biofungicide: 5 Formulas for Controlling Root and Stem Base Fungi in Plants

Root and stem biofungicide is a key solution for horticulture farmers facing soil-borne pathogenic fungi such as Fusarium, Rhizoctonia, and Phytophthora. Root and stem base diseases often cause major losses, from wilting to plant death. However, a chili plantation in West Java successfully suppressed disease by up to 80% in just two growing seasons using biological products based on Trichoderma sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. How did they do it? Let's explore the case study and 5 proven effective formulas for controlling root and stem fungi.

Case Study: Chili Plantation Successfully Suppresses Root Pathogens by 80%

Land Background

The chili plantation in Cikole Village, Lembang, had a history of Phytophthora capsici attacks causing stem base rot and fusarium wilt. Before using root and stem biofungicide, farmers relied on synthetic chemical fungicides, but pathogen resistance began to emerge and production costs swelled. Land productivity dropped by 40%.

Intervention with Biological Products

In the 2024 growing season, farmers switched to Root & Stem Fungus Control Formula from Biosolution. This product contains three superior antagonistic microbes:

• Trichoderma sp. as a mycoparasite that degrades pathogenic fungal cell walls.
• Pseudomonas fluorescens which produces siderophores and natural antibiotics.
• Bacillus subtilis which triggers induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants.

Application was done via root drench (5 ml/L water) during land preparation and vegetative phase every 14 days. As a result, disease intensity dropped from 35% to just 7% — a suppression of 80%. Chili productivity increased by 30% compared to the previous season.

5 Microbe-Based Formulas for Controlling Root and Stem Fungi

1. Trichoderma sp. + Pseudomonas fluorescens Formula

This combination is highly effective for controlling Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani. Trichoderma works by parasitizing pathogen hyphae, while Pseudomonas produces siderophores that bind iron, depriving the pathogen of nutrients. Application is done via root drench on seedlings before planting.

2. Bacillus subtilis + Pseudomonas fluorescens Formula

Suitable for plants with mild infections. Bacillus subtilis produces lipopeptides that damage fungal cell membranes, while Pseudomonas strengthens plant defenses. Spray the lower stem and drench the roots simultaneously.

3. Trichoderma sp. + Bacillus subtilis Formula

Used in fields with a history of severe root disease. Trichoderma colonizes the rhizosphere, while Bacillus triggers the production of chitinase enzymes that degrade fungal cell walls. Apply during land preparation and 2 weeks after planting.

4. Single Trichoderma sp. Formula

For prevention in uninfected fields. Trichoderma can be applied as a seed treatment or root drench. Lower cost but still effective at suppressing initial inoculum.

5. Three-Strain Combination Formula

Biosolution's product combines all three microbes in one formula. Its advantage: synergy between mycoparasite, antagonist, and PGPR. This is the most comprehensive formula for root and stem biofungicide on horticultural crops like chili, tomato, and shallot.

Mechanism of Biofungicide Action in Suppressing Pathogens

Mycoparasitism by Trichoderma sp.

Trichoderma detects the presence of pathogenic fungi through chemotropism. Then, its hyphae coil around and penetrate the pathogen's cell wall, releasing lytic enzymes such as chitinase, glucanase, and protease. This process causes lysis of the pathogen cells. Trichoderma also competitively colonizes the rhizosphere, reducing space and nutrients for pathogens.

Antagonism by Pseudomonas fluorescens

This bacterium produces siderophores (pyoverdine and pyochelin) that bind iron ions (Fe3+) with high affinity. Low iron availability in the rhizosphere inhibits the growth of pathogenic fungi. Additionally, Pseudomonas produces antibiotics such as 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) which are fungistatic.

Induced Systemic Resistance by Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis triggers plant defense responses via the salicylic acid and jasmonate pathways. Plants exposed to this bacterium produce defense compounds such as phytoalexins, polyphenol oxidase, and peroxidase. This effect makes plants more resistant to pathogen attack without needing to be applied directly to all plant parts.

Advantages of Biofungicide over Chemical Fungicides

Environmentally Friendly

Biofungicides leave no toxic residues on crops or soil. Long-term use actually improves soil health because antagonistic microbes continue to multiply.

No Resistance Development

Pathogens find it difficult to develop resistance to biofungicides due to multi-target mechanisms (parasitism, antibiosis, competition). This contrasts with chemical fungicides, which often trigger resistance within a few seasons.

Enhances Plant Health Holistically

Besides controlling disease, the microbes in biofungicides also produce growth hormones (IAA, gibberellins) and solubilize phosphate. This makes plants more vigorous and productive.

Proper Application of Biofungicide for Maximum Results

Application Timing

1. During land preparation: Mix biofungicide with water for bed irrigation to suppress pathogen inoculum in the soil.
2. Vegetative phase: Root drench every 14 days to maintain high microbial populations.
3. When early symptoms appear: Spray the lower stem (stem base) with a higher concentration (10 ml/L) for rapid control.

Application Methods

• Root drench: Dissolve 5 ml of product per liter of water, apply 200-300 ml per plant around the root zone.
• Stem spray: Use a low-pressure sprayer, spray the stem base until evenly wet.
• Seed treatment: Soak seeds in a 10 ml/L solution for 30 minutes before sowing.

Dosage and Frequency

Biosolution product is recommended at a dosage of 5 ml/L water, applied every 14 days. For endemic fields, frequency can be increased to every 10 days during early growth stages.

Conclusion

Root and stem biofungicide based on Trichoderma sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis has been proven to suppress root and stem base fungal diseases by up to 80%, as shown in the chili plantation case study in Lembang. Using this product not only controls pathogens but also naturally improves plant health. Horticulture farmers looking to transition to sustainable agriculture can rely on Root & Stem Fungus Control Formula from Biosolution. For more information, consult your land needs via our WhatsApp.

FAQ

What is root and stem biofungicide?

Root and stem biofungicide is a biological product containing antagonistic microorganisms to control pathogenic fungi that attack plant roots and stem bases. Common microbes used include Trichoderma sp., Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis. This product works through mechanisms of mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and induced plant resistance.

How to properly apply biofungicide?

Application is done via root drench and stem spray. The general dosage is 5 ml per liter of water, applied every 14 days. The best times are during land preparation and the vegetative phase. Ensure the solution reaches the root zone and stem base evenly.

Is biofungicide safe for plants and the environment?

Yes, biofungicide is very safe because it is made from natural microbes that leave no harmful residues. This product does not harm pollinating insects, earthworms, or humans. In fact, its use can improve soil structure and increase microbial biodiversity.

How long until control results are visible?

Initial results are usually seen within 1-2 weeks after application, marked by reduced wilting or rot symptoms. For optimal disease suppression, regular application over one growing season is needed. In the case study, 80% suppression was achieved after two seasons.

Can biofungicide be combined with chemical fungicides?

It is best not to mix directly with chemical fungicides as they can kill the microbes. If chemicals are necessary, allow at least 7 days between biofungicide and chemical applications. For best results, use biofungicide exclusively.