Pseudomonas fluorescens: A bacterium that suppresses pathogenic fungal growth

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 Pseudomonas fluorescens  is a bacterium used as bio-control agent in agriculture to control the plant pathogenic fungi. It produces toxins which suppress the growth of certain fungal pathogens thereby reducing the disease efficacy. 



It's available in wettable powder and liquid formulation

DOSAGE

Foliar spray: 3-5 mL/Litre of water (LF) or 5g/Litre of water (WP)

Compost inoculum: 10-20g/Kg of compost

Seedling dip: 5mL/Litre of water, dip seedlings for half an hour before planting

Following are some of the diseases which could be controlled through Pseudomonas fluorescens

ALTERNARIA LEAF SPOTS of chilli, brinjal, tomato, gourds, melons, marigold, indoor plants,beans etc

Leaves will develop number of spots with brown centre, surrounded by dark brown concentric rings. Many spots will coalesce to form one big spot. Severe infestation will result in yellowing of the plant and wilting. Plants lacking in proper nutrition will be susceptible to this disease. Foliar spray of Pseudomonas fluorescens before sunrise or after sunset will suppress the growth of Alternaria.

RHIZOPUS ROT of jackfruit

High temperature and humidity favours this disease. Flowers and young fruits are affected. First a water soaked brown lesion appears on the developing fruit followed by development of black furry and dusty growth which results in mummifying the fruit and fruit drops. The fungal spores disseminate through air and infect the healthy fruits. This can be controlled by spraying Pseudomonas on the flowers and tiny fruits and also by pruning congested branches for even air circulation.

BLACK SPOT of rose
The disease is characterized by formation of black spots on the leaves followed by yellowing and defoliation. Severe infestation can result in malformed roses or no blooms. Drench the soil and spray the leaves with Pseudomonas fluorescens solution to prevent and control this disease.


POWDERY MILDEW of cucurbits, okra, beans, mango, rose, brinjal, tomato

The disease is identified as powdery growth on the upper portion of the leaves. Severe infestation prevents light absorption thereby reducing photosynthetic activity, drooping of the leaves and less or no yield. The white powdery coat can be controlled by spraying Pseudomonas.

SIGATOKA OF BANANA
Brown streaks develop in between the veins surrounded by yellow borders. If you observe closely, the streaks are eliptical spots with light brown or grey centres which have coalesced. Severe infestation can result in scorching the leaves and drooping. Pseudomonas fluorescens will control the infection.

SOOTY MOLD of mango, guava and Sapota (chikoo) 


When sucking pests like mealy bugs and jassids attack mango leaves, they secrete sweet substance that attracts ants and a fungus that causes sooty mold which is characterized by black soot like growth on the leaves. This inhibits photosynthesis and lowers the yield. Pseudomonas spray on the canopy will remove the sooty growth.

DIEBACK of rose, mango, cashew, sapota, guava, lemon etc.

The shoot tips and leaves die and the symptom moves towards the basal portion of the stem and the roots. The plant dies if left unbothered. Can be controlled by prunning the dead branch, shoot or twig followed by spraying P.fluorescens.

SOFT ROT of papaya

The disease is characterized by development of water soaked patch on the fruit followed by brown- black hairy growth and fruit drop. One diseased fruit can infect the whole healthy bunch. This can be controlled by destroying the infected fruit and spraying Pseudomonas fluorescens on healthy ones.




NOTE:
  • Pseudomonas fluorescens is a living bacterial antagonist, so it must be applied either early morning or in the evening.
  • Always prepare a fresh solution for use. Pre-mixed solution losses effectiveness.
  • Prepare solution as required.
  • Wash sprayer thoroughly after use




To know about your plant health contact us or book appointments through
Contact: +91-8390113019
Instagram: fruits.of.hardwork



Location: Goa, India

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