Control of Pythium aphanidermatum and changes in the root bacterial communities of hydroponic lettuce induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its purified rhamnolipids

Pythium root rot severely affects hydroponic lettuce. This study tested surfactant-producing bacteria to control Pythium aphanidermatum. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain 88A produced rhamnolipids that reduced disease severity by 60% and increased lettuce weight by 68%.