Biocontrol by plant growth promoting rhizobacteria against black scurf and stem canker disease of potato caused by Rhizoctonia solani.

Non-pathogenic soil bacteria living in association with roots of higher plants enhance their adaptive potential and thus could be beneficial for their growth. Here, we present the current status of the use ofBacillus subtilisin biocontrol. Rhizobacteria are found in the rhizosphere. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains, such asBacillusandPseudomonas, were isolated by using Nutreint dextrose Agar medium or Potato Dextrose Agar medium. The selection of PGPR strains was done by duel culture methods against the potato pathogens. The interaction of PGPR (Bacillus) with potato seeds or vegetative parts show promising antagonism by virtue of producing siderophore and antibiotics against black scurf and stem canker diseases of potato caused byRhizoctonia solani, thereby resulting in increase of potato yield. The effectiveness of PGPR strain (Bacillusspp.) in improving the yield of potato in greenhouse conditions and in the field was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]