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Plant Science Today (PST)

Research Articles

Vol. 13 No. sp7 (2026): International Conference on Agricultural Sustainability

Effectiveness of seed washing and application of Bacillus subtilis for controlling downy mildew disease in maize (Zea mays L.)

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.14360
Submitted
4 March 2026
Published
17-09-2026

Abstract

Downy mildew is one of the major problems in maize (Zea mays L.) cultivation in Indonesia, caused by Peronosclerospora spp. Chemical control, such as metalaxyl, remains the main solution for this disease, but resistance and resurgence can occur in this pathogen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seed washing and the application of Bacillus subtilis in controlling downy mildew in maize. The treatments were arranged in a randomised block design (RBD) with 3 replications. The observed variables included incubation period, disease intensity, infection rate, area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) and plant growth. The research results showed that the best combination was washing the seeds with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and B. subtilis. Application of B. subtilis can significantly reduce the intensity of downy mildew by up to 20.00 % and the infection rate during the critical growth phase. This treatment increases the incubation period of the disease, reduces the AUDPC value and positively affects the plant's fresh and dry weights. In conclusion, the seed washing treatment before planting and the application of B. subtilis is an effective control of downy mildew in maize.

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