Antagonistic Activity of Bacterial Endophytes Isolated from Millets AgainstRhizoctonia solani in Foxtail Millet

摘要

An investigation was carried out in vitro to study the efficiency of endophytic bacteria isolated from millets for biocontrol of Rhizoctonia solani. Kuhn, a causal organism of sheath blight in millets. Out of the total isolates obtained from small millets, 12 isolates inhibited mycelial growth of Rhizoctonia solani. Isolates KMS5 and KMS1 recorded highest antifungal activity (62.22 and 60.00% inhibition) and took 10.95 and 11.55 days for 50 per cent germination compared to control which received onlypathogen. Lowest pre emergence disease incidence was observed with KMS5 (11.16 %) followed by KMS1 (12.50 %) where as control with pathogen recorded highest pre emergence disease incidence (44.44). Least post emergence disease was observed with KMS5 (11.36) and highest biocontrol efficiency with KMS5 (72.22%). Apart from showing antagonistic activity, KMS5 has recorded maximum vigour index (2670.33) followed by KMS1 (2527.87) compared to other treatments.