Pseudomonas fluorescens mediated systemic resistance in Gloriosa superba against Macrophomina root rot

The root rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina is the serious soil-borne disease affecting Gloriosa superba. The field experiment was conducted on the effect of biocontrol agents on the management of root rot disease. The results revealed that dipping the tubers in Pseudomonas fluorescens (0.2%) Pf1 talc formulation followed by drenching with P. fluorescens (0.2%) on 30 days after planting was effective in managing the root rot disease by recording 14.0 per cent disease incidence. In control, the highest root rot disease incidence of 26.4 per cent was observed. The yield parameters viz., number of flowers per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield were also found to be the highest in the treatment of dipping the tubers in P. fluorescens (0.2%) followed by drenching with P. fluorescens (0.2%) on 30 DAP. The induction of various defense compounds viz., chitinase, β-1-3 glucanase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase by P. fluorescens was observed.