Vermicompost Based Bioformulation for Management of Bacterial Wilt of Tomato in Polyhouse

摘要

Formulations of bacterial antagonist, Pseudomonas fluorescens in different organic substrates like vermicompost and farm yard manure (FYM) were used for management of bacterial wilt of tomato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum in a polyhouse. Quantitatively P. fluorescens showed a steady population count up to 120 days of storage at room temperature. Substrate based formulation of vermicompost with P. fluorescens, carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and mannitol was the most efficient in maintaining a highpopulation of P. fluorescens. Application of this bioformulation as seed, root and soil treatments at transplanting followed by three soil applications at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting showed a minimum wilt incidence (0.5%), a maximum yield (396q/ha) and the highest population count of P. fluorescens (87.5 x 108 cfu/g) in tomato rhizosphere. Negative correlations were observed between wilt incidence and population of P. fluorescens and between wilt incidence and yield of tomato. Positive correlation was observed between population of P. fluorescens and yieid.