Induction of resistance in chili against Sclerotium rolfsii by plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria and Anagallis arvensis

Abstract Background Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne fungal pathogen causing diseases in more than 500 plant species. It causes southern blight disease chili. Chemical fungicides are used to control this disease, which also pollute the environment. The present study was designed assess potential of two species plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) viz. Bacillus megaterium and Pseudomonas fluorescence , an allelopathic weed, Anagallis arvensis L., for Results Initially, three PGPR strains, B. OSR3, ZMR6, P. PF-097, were selected their vitro antagonistic assessment against S. by dual culture technique on potato dextrose agar medium. OSR3 showed highest (68%), followed PF-097 (54%) ZMR6 (33%) . In pot experiment, best strains PGPR, namely dried biomass A. (DBA) different concentrations (1, 2 3%) manage chili positive treatment ( only), survival low (73%) negative (100%). + 2% DBA, DBA significantly enhanced over control. increase growth recorded due inoculations. Contents carotenoid chlorophyll decreased improved strains. Application distinctly increased catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), polyphenol (PPO) activities Conclusions concluded that can effectively yield