Growth promotion and mildew suppressive effect of phylloplane bacteria of mulberry (Morus spp.)

Studies were conducted to evaluate growth promotion and mildew ( Phyllactinia corylea ) suppressive effect of phylloplane bacteria of mulberry ( Morus spp.) in vitro and in vivo and the effective bacteria were identified. Among 18 bacteria, 4 isolates showed highly significant (P 70 per cent suppression of conidial germination. The highest reduction was showed by the isolate Pb-5 (13.87%) by suppressing 86.13 per cent conidial germination followed by Pb-4 (17.23%) with 82.17 per cent. Similarly, six isolates significantly increased the seed germination. Significantly high (P 60% reduction of disease severity with the application of B.megaterium (63.42%) and B.cereus (60.73%). The study suggests exploration of either of these bacteria for biological control of mildew in mulberry.