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Combination of biocontrol agents that are compatible with each other is
a strategic approach to control the plant disease and pest. The present
study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of compatible
endophytic bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis; EPCO16 and EPC5) and
rhizobacterial strain (Pseudomonas fluorescens; Pf1) against chilli wilt
disease caused by Fusarium solani. Our results showed that B. subtilis
(EPCO16 and EPC5) and P. fluorescens (Pf1) were compatible and effectively
inhibited the growth of the F. solani. The application of endophytic and
rhizobacterial strains, singly and in combination in green house and field
conditions were found to be effective in controlling the chilli Fusarium
wilt disease by inducing systemic resistance (ISR) as evidenced by enhanced
activities of PO, PPO, PAL, @b-1,3-glucanase, Chitinase and Phenolic
involved in the synthesis of phytolaexins thereby promoting the growth of
plants. However, combinations of EPCO16+EPC5+Pf1 bacterial strains were
more effective than single agents. These findings suggest that synergistic
interactions of biocontrol agents may be responsible for the management of
chilli wilt disease caused by F. solani.
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