Amna Shoaib
Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University Crop Pathology
Title: Biocontrol potential of Ochrobactrum ciceri against Macrophomina phaseolina and its fungistatic metabolites
Biography
Biography: Amna Shoaib
Abstract
Role of rhizobacteria and zinc (Zn) was investigated in management of charcoal rot disease in mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] caused by fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. Methods and Results: In vitro, screening tests with eight rhizobacteria revealed that Ochrobactrum ciceri (FCBP-0727) exhibited strong antifungal potential against M. phaseolina. Antifungal trials with cell free culture filtrate (CFCF) and cell culture (CC) of O. ciceri caused significant inhibition in mycelial growth and sclerotia formation, although the CFCF appeared to be more destructive against pathogen. Ethyl-acetate and chloroform extracts of CFCF completely halted growth of M. phaseolina and GC-MS analysis showed presence of important fungicidal compounds in them. Pot experiment exhibited that soil inoculation with O. ciceri in combination with Zn (2.5 ppm) protected mung bean plants against M. phaseolina through improving photosynthetic pigment, total protein content and activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase). Conclusions: O. ciceri in combination with Zn (2.5 ppm) could be effectively used to manage charcoal rot disease by boosting physiological attributes in mung bean. Significance and Impact of Study: The present study will open new vistas for biological management of charcoal rot disease of mung bean using combination of rhizobacteria and Zn.