Evaluation of a Powder Formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens Pf1 for Control of Rice Sheath Blight

Abstract

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Pf1, inhibitory to the growth of the rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani in vitro , was developed as a talc-based formulation. W hen the formulation was applied as a seed treatment, the bacteria established well in the rice rhizosphere. Root treatment or soil application of the formulation was less effective in establishing the bacteria into the rhizosphere. Effective control of rice sheath blight was obtained when the powder formulation was applied to seed, roots, soil and foliage, and these methods of application increased crop grain yield in four field trials. The possible commercial exploitation of the powder formulation of the bacteria is discussed. Keywords: Biological ControlPseudomonas FluorescensPowder Formulation Rice Sheath BlightRhizoctonia Solani