Hairy root disease (HRD) caused by Agrobacterium rhizogenes is a problematic disease leading to substantial losses in marketable yield in hydroponically grown tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum). Growers use strict hygiene protocols and sanitation, relying on hydrogen peroxide and other sanitizers to clean hydroponic systems after disease outbreaks, however, this is an expensive and time-consuming process.
Biological control is emerging as a possible solution to this troubling problem. Biological control is an environmentally sound and effective means of reducing or mitigating pests and diseases by employing the use of natural enemies. In this work, researchers have tested and identified numerous strains of Pseudomonas that can inhibit the growth of A. rhizogenes under in vitro and in planta conditions.