Multivariate statistical methods as a tool in the selection of antagonist strains for biological control of plant diseases

The purpose of the study is to demonstrate the capabilities of multivariate statistical methods for reducing the labor intensity of selecting antagonist strains for biological protection of agricultural plants from diseases using the example of searching for antagonist strains against fungal diseases of rapeseed (Brassica napus). The antibiotic activity of 9 strains of Bacillus spp was studied using the counterculture method and 1 strain of Streptomyces hygroscopicus against 9 strains of Fusarium spp., 2 strains of Alternaria spp. and 2 strains of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, which are causative agents of fungal diseases of rapeseed. The width of the growth inhibition zone was used as an indicator. Using discriminant analysis methods, it was established that strains of antagonist bacteria differ statistically significantly (p