RECENT STRATEGIES FOR MANAGEMENT OF BASAL STEM ROT DISEASE IN COCONUT WITH INFLUENCE OF BACTERIAL ENDOPHYTE BACILLUS AMYLOLIQUEFACIENS

Abstract

– Coconut palm in spite of its hardiness is affected by a large number of diseases, among which Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma lucidum (Leys) Karst.and Ganoderma applanaum are the most destructive and a major limiting factor in coconut production. In the present study, endophytic bacteria EP4 isolated from the roots of healthy coconut palms was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and showed promising inhibition by 51.11% over control when it was studied under in vitro conditions against test pathogen. Further, when it was applied in the basin of Basal stem rot affected coconut palm @100g talc formulation of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens along with 50kg FYM and subsequent application in quarterly interval with only talc formulation of endophyte, over a period of 30 MAT, it showed significant inhibition of 23.33% over initial which was also on par with root feeding of the same@50 ml broth (10 8 cfu/ml) in 100 ml water recorded 22.12 % reduction over initial. However, the positive check with root feeding of Hexaconazole @ 3 ml in 100 ml water given in quarterly interval showed 39% disease reduction over initial.