Development of new formulations of Bacillus subtilis for management of tomato damping-off caused by Pythium aphanidermatum

J. Jayaraj*, N. V. Radhakrishnan, R. Kannan, K. Sakthivel, D. Suganya, S. Venkatesan, R. Velazhahan

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Formulations of a strain of Bacillus subtilis AUBS-1 inhibitory to the growth of the damping-off pathogen, Pythium aphanidermatum, were developed for seed treatment. The formulations included a talc-based powder, lignite-based powder, lignite + fly ash-based powder, wettable powder, bentonite-paste, polyethylene glycol (PEG) paste and a water-dispersible tablet. Formulations were stored at room temperature for 2 years and frequently sampled to test their shelf life. Populations of bacteria in the formulations were stable for up to 2 years storage at room temperature (28°C). Viability of propagules in lignite, lignite + fly ash, bentonite paste, wettable powder and water dispersible tablet formulations was 100% for up to 1 year. However, the viability of propagules was significantly reduced in talc, wettable powder, PEG paste and tablet formulations beyond 1 year of storage. Seed treatment of tomato with these formulations resulted in effective control of damping-off caused by P. aphanidermatum, and also enhanced plant biomass under glasshouse and field conditions. Active rhizosphere colonization by the bacterium was observed on tomato plants grown from seeds treated with the above formulations.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)55-65
Number of pages11
JournalBiocontrol Science and Technology
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2005
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Biocontrol
  • Damping-off
  • Formulations
  • Pythium aphanidermatum
  • Seed treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Agronomy and Crop Science
  • Insect Science

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