Bio-efficacy of milastin-k (Bacillus subtilis ktsb 1015 1.5% a.s.) as a potential bio-control agent for management of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) diseases in pomegranate

Field bio-efficacy study was conducted during 2018–19 for evaluation of Milastin-K (Bacillus subtilis KTSB 1015 1.5% A.S.) for control of bacterial blight (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides) on leaves, fruit and yield of pomegranate. The trial was conducted during Late Hasta Bahar at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani. The trial was conducted in RBD with three replications and twelve treatments. Results compiled revealed that Milastin-K@ 2.0 ml/L each by spraying + soil drenching monthly at root zone recorded less bacterial blight disease severity (22.75 PDI each) on leaves and fruits with 61.20% and 54.16% disease control over untreated control (58.63 PDI and 49.63 PDI) respectively. Similarly, the same treatment recorded less PDI on leaves (36.81) and fruits (16.59) as compared to control (63.82 and 30.41) respectively with 43.56% and 45.45% disease control respectively for control of anthracnose disease on leaves and fruits giving 15.21 T/ha yield as compared to POP (11.71 T/ha) which is 29.88% more than POP treatment. Similarly, there was no phytotoxicity in terms of leaf chlorosis, wilting, vein clearing, leaf tip burning, leaf necrosis and leaf epinasty.