Research Journal of Medical Sciences
ISSN: Online 1993-6095ISSN: Print 1815-9346
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Abstract
The occurrence of blight disease in pomegranate cultivation, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis (pv. Punicae), has posed a significant challenge. This disease manifests in symptoms on leaves, fruits and stems, ultimately leading to a substantial reduction in yield, often by as much as 70‐75%. We are actively seeking an environmentally friendly and costeffective organic approach to manage blight disease in pomegranates that is both beneficial to farmers and safe for consumers. In this study, the pathogen responsible for the disease was extracted from a diseased pomegranate fruit and leaves obtained from Hosadurga, Karnataka. The isolation process was carried out on nutrient agar media through the streak plating method. A literature review was conducted to identify potential microorganisms suitable for the creation of a consortium. A list of these organisms was obtained from various laboratories. Subsequently, each microorganism was evaluated for compatibility and based on the results the consortium was formulated. The compatible microorganisms included in the consortium are Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas spp, Trichoderma spp and Penicillium spp. The antagonistic activity of the isolated causative organism was tested with each organism in the consortium and with the prepared consortium. The study initially commenced with in vitro experiments and later progressed to greenhouse trials. To assess antagonistic activity, the formation of inhibition zones in millimeters was measured, resulting in the following values Bacillus subtilis (15.2±0.185 mm), Pseudomonas spp. (9.9±0.121 mm), Trichoderma spp. (16.5±0.306 mm) and Penicillium spp. (12.5±0.426 mm). The developed microbial consortium demonstrated the most promising result with an inhibition zone of 25±0.121 mm. Encouraged by these findings the consortium was selected for greenhouse studies. Upon the onset of disease in the plants the consortium was applied via spraying at five‐day intervals for a duration of 30 days. Fruit yield results were compared with those from control plants that received no treatment. Ultimately the developed consortium exhibited a positive impact on fruit yield and healthy leaves were observed.
How to cite this article:
M. Prajwala, S. M. Gopinath and M. Basavanna. Harnessing Microbial Consortium for Effective Control of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae‐Induced Bacterial Blight of Pomegranate.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36478/10.59218/makrjms.2024.4.60.72
URL: https://www.makhillpublications.co/view-article/1815-9346/10.59218/makrjms.2024.4.60.72