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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2025)

Efficacy of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis in managing groundnut leaf blight disease caused by Alternaria alternata

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7861
Submitted
21 February 2025
Published
05-06-2025 — Updated on 14-06-2025
Versions

Abstract

This study evaluated five Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf) strains and ten Bacillus subtilis (Bs) strains for their antagonistic effects against Alternaria alternata under in vitro conditions. Among them, Pf1 and Bs1 demonstrated the highest inhibition of mycelial growth. Subsequent greenhouse and field trials focused on the most effective strains (Pf1, Pf2, Bs1 and Bs5). Under greenhouse conditions, treatments involving Seed Treatment (ST) and Foliar Spray (FS) significantly reduced disease intensity. Field trials confirmed that seed treatment with Pf1 at 10 g/kg of seed, followed by two foliar sprays at 30 and 40 days after sowing at 0.2 %, effectively reduced disease incidence and enhanced yield. The results suggest that biocontrol agents, particularly Pf1, can serve as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical fungicides for managing leaf blight in groundnut.

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