Isolation and evaluation of bacterial endophytes against Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet, the causal of pearl millet downy mildew

Abstract Background Pearl millet remains prone to many diseases; among them downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet is economically more important. The use of endophytic bacteria for management pearl as eco-friendly approach increasing attention sustainable alternative pesticides. objective the present study was isolate from roots cultivars and assess biocontrol activity against . Results Thirty root bacterial endophytes (PMRBEs) were isolated screened in vitro activities such as: siderophore production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production 1-amino cyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. Sixteen isolates possessed potential, 3 found be HCN producers, 30% showed a good growth on ACC supplemented plates. On basis activities, promising endophyte PMRBE6 selected seed treatment well foliar spray manage screen house experiment. effective managing disease. Grain yield, test weight, plant height average number productive tillers maximum inoculation seeds different with PMRBE6, results statistically significant compared control. Conclusions biochemical characterization partial 16S rRNA sequencing, identified Bacillus subtilis strain PD4 (Accession no. MN400209) (PMRBE6) exhibiting could exploited friendly, organic agriculture.