In this study the use of 73 bacteria, isolated from rhizosphere area of tea (Camellia sinensis) plants in Black Sea Region in Turkey, as potential biocontrol agent against root rot disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani that was known as an important disease on potato and bean plants in Turkey and in the world were investigated. In in vitro conditions, 73 bacteria used for antagonistic tests, and 15 out of 74 were found to be effective against R. solani and formed between 0.20–2.30 cm inhibition zone and inhibited mycelium development of the pathogen. In vivo pot experiment also showed that antagonist bacteria strains had various level inhibition effect (between 12% and 83%) on R. solani compared to control. The study revealed that biocontrol agents might play an essential role in management of root rot diseases in potato and bean.

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