ANTAGONISTIC ACTIVITY OF INDIGENOUS BACILLUS SPP. AGAINST COLLAR ROT-CAUSING ORGANISMS IN GROUNDNUT

Author (s) : Dr.R.Vinothini

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Abstract :
Collar rot, caused primarily by fungal pathogens, is a destructive disease that poses a significant threat to groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) cultivation worldwide. The limited effectiveness and environmental concerns associated with chemical control methods have prompted researchers to explore sustainable alternatives such as biological control agents. In this study, we investigate the antagonistic potential of indigenous Bacillus spp. isolated from the groundnut rhizosphere against collar rot-causing organisms. To achieve this, soil samples were collected from groundnut fields in diverse geographical locations, and Bacillus spp. strains were isolated and characterized. The isolated strains were screened for their ability to inhibit the growth of known collar rot-causing fungal pathogens in vitro. Selected Bacillus spp. strains exhibiting promising antagonistic activity were further assessed for their efficacy in suppressing collar rot development on groundnut plants under greenhouse conditions. The in vitro evaluation revealed that several indigenous Bacillus spp. strains exhibited substantial inhibitory effects against collar rot pathogens. These antagonistic activities were attributed to the production of antimicrobial metabolites and the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes by the Bacillus spp. strains. Additionally, the selected Bacillus spp. strains demonstrated no pathogenicity to groundnut plants, making them safe and suitable candidates for biocontrol purposes. Under greenhouse conditions, the application of the selected Bacillus spp. strains to groundnut plants significantly reduced collar rot incidence and severity. These findings highlight the potential of indigenous Bacillus spp. as effective biocontrol agents against collar rot in groundnut crops. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the valuable role of indigenous Bacillus spp. in combating collar rot-causing organisms in groundnut cultivation. Harnessing the antagonistic properties of these beneficial bacteria offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to manage collar rot and mitigate yield losses in groundnut production. Further research and field trials are warranted to validate the effectiveness of these biocontrol agents under real-world farming conditions and to promote their integration into integrated disease management strategies for sustainable groundnut agriculture.

Keywords : Collar rot-causing organisms, groundnut

Conference Date : 17/09/2021

Pages : 112

Paper ID : IESMDT110