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Abstract
Rhizophagus fasciculatus and Bacillus pumilus, isolated from rhizosphere of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) O.Kuntze) bushes, were selected for the present study. Inoculation of tea bushes with any of the two micro-organisms increased growth of plants but significant increase was obtained in case of dual application. B. pumilus exhibited plant growth promoting rhizobacterial traits and antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii in vitro. Disease reduction following application of R. fasciculatus and B. pumilus was obtained when applied individually but joint application gave more significant results. A sharp increase was found in polyphenolic accumulation and activities of four defence enzymes which play a key role in disease suppression. Immunodetection of S. rolfsii in soil was done after treatments with bioinoculants using PAb of S. rolfsii and its population was significantly reduced owing to application of B. pumilus and R. fasciculatus.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.