Multifunctional Endophytic Bacteria in Taro Suppress Phytophthora Colocasiae and Enhance Plant Growth: a Sustainable Biocontrol Approach

Taro leaf blight, caused by Phytophthora colocasiae, is the most destructive disease of taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott), resulting in severe yield losses and posing a major constraint to sustainable cultivation. The present study investigated the biocontrol potential and plant growth-promoting attributes of 24 antagonistic bacterial endophytes isolated from healthy taro plants. Antagonism by diffusible metabolites exhibited stronger antagonistic activity than volatile metabolites, with mycelial growth inhibition ranging from 19.77 to 76.29