Studies on the influence of Bacillus subtilis (EPCO 5) on the activities of defense enzymes against Magnaporthe grisea in finger millet

The present study was undertaken to assess the capability of biocontrol agent, Bacillus subtilis (EPCO 5) in inducing systemic resistance in finger millets against Magnaporthe grisea. The talc based bioformulation of EPCO 5 used as seed treatment, seedling dip and foliar spray enhanced the induction of the defense enzymes viz., phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chitinase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in CO 14 (Resistant), PR 202 (Moderately resistant) and KM 252 (Susceptible) irrespective of the varieties as compared to their corresponding pathogen inoculated plants. Similarly, native PAGE analysis revealed the expression of more number of SOD isoforms when compared to the control. Further, western blot studies also demonstrated the expression of 85 kDa, chitinase proteins in finger millet plants treated with EPCO 5, challenge inoculated with M. grisea. The results indicated the ability of Bacillus subtilis (EPCO 5) in the induction of the signal molecules that were involved in the resistance against M. grisea in finger millet crops