Biocontrol Activity of Different Species of Pseudomonas Against Phytopathogenic Fungi Invivo And Invitro Conditions

Among 10 strains of PGPR Pseudomonas isolated from chickpea, three were selected on basis of production of ammonia, siderophore and HCN. Hydroxymate type of siderophore were detected in all three isolates, ranging from 8.10 to 18.2 mm. Invitro fungal inhibition assay was performed on solid and liquid media using phytopathogenic fungi. i.e. Macrophomina, Aspergillus and Phytopthora species. All three isolates showed a biocontrol potential, maximum being 87% inhibition using M1P3 against Aspergillus, although also M1P3 showed a 14 mm zone of inhibition against Phytopthora. The isolates were then studied for enzyme like chitinase, β-1, 3 Glucanase and Cellulase for their role in biocontrol. Here also M1P3 isolate showed maximum Chitinase activity (40μg/ml N-acetyl glucosamine production) and also induced maximum Cellulase production. Chickpea seeds coated with Pseudomonas showed significant seedling biomass, shoot length and weight, root length and weight and chlorophyll content. The use of M1P3 followed by A1P3 showed over all increase in vegetative parameters due to disease control caused by phytopathogenic fungi infested soil. The results suggest involvement of enzymes in antagonistic action against fungal pathogens.