Exploitation of Pseudomonas sp. for disease control and productivity in tea

A study was undertaken on exploitation of indigenous Pseudomonas strains isolated from tea rhizosphere for disease control and productivity in tea. This included in vitro studies on plant growth promotion and biocontrol properties like production of phytohormones, siderophore, hydrogen cyanide, phosphate solubilization, and resistance to agrochemicals. The ability of Pseudomonas sp, was determined by production of antimicrobial substances. Moreover, Pseudomonas sp, expressed synergistic activity with other beneficial bioinoculants which shows the way to make consortium. Pseudomonas sp. improved the soil nutrient status when applied integrately with 50% reduction of rock phosphate to provide higher yield of tea. The proposed study would provide the information on exploiting the Pseudomonas sp, as an ecofriendly and sustainable alternative to the existing chemicals for growth promotion and management of tea diseases.