Published in Scientific Papers. Series A. Agronomy, Vol. LXVIII, Issue 2
Written by Simran PANIGATTI, Thangadurai DEVARAJAN, Sangeetha JEYABALAN, Poojashree Nagappa KUMMUR, Smita SHINDE
Anthracnose, a drastic fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum spp. is a significant constraint to chilli production all over the world, resulting in substantial yield losses across all major chilli-producing areas. Management of plant diseases using biocontrol agents is one of the best methodologies that may reduce the use of synthetic chemical based formulations. A total of fifteen rhizospheric bacteria were isolated from chilli fields. Preliminary morphological identification was done followed by scanning electronic microscope and then subjected for biochemical characterization. Antagonistic activities of all isolates were evaluated in vitro against Colletotrichum jasminigenum SPTD17. Based on the morphological and biochemical characterization six isolates categorized to Bacillus, two Lysinibacillus, one Paenibacillus, five Pseudomonas and one Acinetobacter genera were identified. Seven isolates (PS1, PS4, PS6, PS8, PS9, PS10 and PS11) showed strongest antagonistic activity and more than 80% zone of inhibition against Colletotrichum jasminigenum SPTD17. The results of this study suggest that chilli rhizosphere bacterial diversity can be resource for biocontrol of chilli anthracnose pathogens; further research may encourage the molecular characterization and PGRP applications of rhizospheric bacterial biocontrols.
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