Vermicompost-based bioformulation for the management of sugarbeet root rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii

Abstract

Vermicompost-based bioformulations of bacterial and fungal biocontrol agents were examined against sugarbeet root rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. The result showed that the Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Pf1 in combination with either Trichoderma asperellum strain TTH1 or Bacillus subtilis strain EPCO-16 performed better in reducing disease next to the chemical difenoconazole. Similarly, enhanced yield was observed in the same combination treatments under both pot and field conditions.

Keywords:

• biocontrol agents
• vermicompost-based bioformulations
• sugarbeet root rot
• Sclerotium rolfsii

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the M/S Syngenta India limited for providing financial support to carry out this study.