Development of powder and capsule formulations of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain Pf-1 for control of banana wilt

摘要

Pseudomonas fluorescens strains which effectively inhibited mycelial growth of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, the banana wilt pathogen, were isolated from the rhizoplane of different crops. A talc-based powder formulation of the effective strain Pf-1 was developed. When it was packed in Polythene bag, the bacteria could survive for more than 120 days in storage. When it was packed in gelatin capsules, the bacteria could survive for 60 days. P. fluorescens Pf-1 product reduced the banana wilt incidence when it was applied by rhizome treatment, followed by capsule application or soil application. In all three field trials, P.fluorescens Pf-1 product increased the fruit yield besides controlling the disease. This product was better than carbendazim in controlling the disease in one of the Field trials where there was heavy incidence of disease in untreated plots and in increasing the yield in two out of three field trials.