Induction of Systemic Resistance in Ragi Against Blast Disease by Pseudomonas fluorescens

Twenty seven Pseudomonas fluorescens strains were screened in vitro for their inhibitory effect on the mycelial growth of ragi blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea. The promising strains viz., PF 1,PF2,FP7,PFKO2and FP 1 were assessed for their effect on seedling vigour of ragi plants as well as for induced systemic resistance (ISR) against M. grisea in ragi by applying as suspension and talc-based formulation respectively. All the strains could promote plant growth in vitro (roll towel method) and reduce ragi blast incidence under glass house conditions. However, better plant growth promotion and maximum incidence of chitinase, glucanase, peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities were observed in ragi plants treated with PF I strain up to four days after treatment.