INTEGRATION OF RESISTANCE INDUCERS, ENDOPHYTES, EPIPHYTES AND CHEMICALS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF BACTERIAL BLIGHT OF POMEGRANATE
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Date
2024-06-04
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UHF Nauni
Abstract
Bacterial blight, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae, is a devastating disease affecting
pomegranate and causing extensive yield losses in crop growing areas of Himachal Pradesh. In this study, an
eco-friendly management strategy was developed utilizing a combination of resistance inducers, endophytes,
epiphytes and chemicals. Four modules were assessed under various conditions, including in vitro, pot, and field
trials. During in vitro evaluation of endophytes, epiphytes, resistance inducers and chemicals against
Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae, maximum inhibition zone (5.00 cm) was observed in streptocycline (275 ppm)
and bronopal (275 ppm). In Module-1,conjoint application of salicylic acid (300 ppm), β-amino butyric acid
(300 ppm), streptocycline (500 ppm) and bronopal (500 ppm), achieved a disease control of 64.99% in potted
plants and 67.65% under field conditions and also effective in improving plant growth as compared to other
treatments such as seedling/plant height, stem girth, leaf area, and shoot growth etc. along with elevated levels of
biochemical parameters associated with plant defense mechanisms. In Module-2, combining Bacillus
paramycoides strain BKEp-1 (108 cfu/ml), Ascochyta rabiei strain FDEp-1 (108 cfu/ml), streptocycline (500
ppm), and bronopal (500 ppm) proved effective, reducing disease by 68.13 per cent in potted plants and 68.99
per cent in field conditions. Additionally, it enhanced plant growth and increased biochemical levels. Module 3
demonstrated that combining Bacillus anthracis strain BDEn-1 (108 cfu/ml), Albifimbria verrucaria strain
FDEn-2 (108 cfu/ml), streptocycline (500 ppm) and bronopal (500 ppm) was very successful. This approach
resulted in a 73.06 per cent reduction in disease severity in potted plants and 70.69 per cent decrease under field
conditions. Moreover, it concurrently enhanced plant growth and increased the levels of biochemical parameters.
In Module 4, combining salicylic acid (300 ppm), β-amino butyric acid (300 ppm), Bacillus paramycoides strain
BKEp-1 (108 cfu/ml), Ascochyta rabiei strain FDEp-1 (108 cfu/ml), Bacillus anthracis strain BDEn-1 (108
cfu/ml), Albifimbria verrucaria strain FDEn-2 (108 cfu/ml), streptocycline (500 ppm) and bronopal (500 ppm)
proved highly effective. This approach led to 80.00 per cent reduction in disease severity in potted plants and a
73.69 per cent decrease under field conditions. Additionally, it simultaneously enhanced plant growth and
elevated the levels of biochemical parameters. This module exhibited the highest percentage of disease control
and demonstrated significant improvements in plant growth parameters amongst all the modules alongside
increased levels of biochemical parameters. This study underscores the efficacy of integrated management
strategies integrating multiple agents for controlling bacterial blight in pomegranate cultivation, while
simultaneously fostering plant growth and fortifying plant defense mechanisms. Such integrated approaches hold
promise for sustainable disease management in pomegranate cultivation in the state.