Effect of soil solarization and biocontrol agents on plant stand and yield on table beet in Córdoba (Argentina)

Field trials were conducted in commercial plots over a 3-year period to determine the effect of soil solarization and biocontrol agents, alone or combined, on plant stand and table beet yield. Single transparent polyethylene sheets were extended along the rows during summer periods. Table beet seeds were coated with biological control agents including strains of: Bacillus subtilis (B-96, B-238 and B-235), Trichoderma harzianum (Th-1) and a combination of B-235 and Th-1. Solarization increased plant stand by 25-95% in Rhizoctonia solani-infested soils and fresh weight by 32-41%, and in certain cases the combination of solarization with the biocontrol agents further improved the results.