Evaluation of Biocontrol Potential of Pseudomonas fluorescens against Root-Knot Nematode (Meloidogyne Javanica) Infecting Chili

Abstract

Plant parasitic nematodes are considered worst enemies of mankind because of devastation they cause to crops. They are distributed all over the world in different kinds of habitats and cause severe losses to economically important crops. Up to 40% nematode infection has been observed in chilli. Present study was aimed at checking the antagonistic activity and developing systemic resistance against nematodes. The influence of rhizobacteria Pseudomonas fluorescence on mortality of nematodes was studied in-vitro as well as the seed treatment of rhizobacteria on growth parameters of chilli. The results obtained were highly significant that revealed P. fluorescence that induced systemic resistance against Meloidogyne javanica. Seedling of chilli were treated with P. fluorescence to see the efficacy on disease development and different growth parameters. The results achieved were highly significant. This showed that Pseudomonas fluorescence enhanced the growth of chilli by controlling deleterious microorganisms and increased plant height /plant, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root and decreased number of galls/plant due to the reason that P. fluorescence was found protease producer. It was concluded from the studies that rhizobacteria P. fluorescence is a potential biocontrol agent in chilli plants.