Biopesticides: Use of Rhizosphere Bacteria for Biological Control of Plant Pathogens

Satyavir S Sindhu; Anju Sehrawat; Ruchi Sharma; Anupma Dahiya

doi:10.14429/dlsj.1.10747

Satyavir S Sindhu Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University
Anju Sehrawat Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University
Ruchi Sharma Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University
Anupma Dahiya Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dlsj.1.10747

Keywords: Biological control, plant diseases, plant pathogens, rhizosphere bacteria

Abstract

The pesticides used to control pests and diseases are also implicated in ecological, environmental and human health hazards. To reduce the deleterious effects of these agrochemicals, certain antagonistic microorganisms have been characterised from rhizosphere of different crop plants that suppress various plant diseases and thus, minimize the use of pesticides. The application of these specific antagonistic microorganisms in biological control of soilborne pathogens has been studied intensively in the last two decades. These beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms inhibit the pathogenic bacteria and fungi by producing antibiotics, bacteriocins, siderophores, hydrolytic enzymes and other secondary metabolites. The efficiency of these biocontrol products can be improved by manipulation of the environment, using mixtures of beneficial organisms, physiological and genetic enhancement of the biocontrol mechanisms, manipulation of formulations and integration of biocontrol with other alternative methods that provide additive effects. These biocontrol agents could be effectively utilised in sustainable agriculture for improving growth of crop plants.

Author Biographies

Satyavir S Sindhu, Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University

Dr Satyavir Singh Sindhu received his MSc (Microbiology) from CCCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India and PhD in Microbiology from University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom. He is serving on the post of Professor in Microbiology Department and currently working as Additional Director of Research in CCCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. He has published more than 60 research articles in international journals and has published 45 book chapters. He has guided 12 M. Sc. and 8 Ph.D. students. He has received ICICAR best Teacher award twice (2002 and 2011), Commonwealth Scholarship award in 1987 and R.M. Sharma Memorial Award thrice (1982, 1985 & 2000) and Young Scientist Alembic – AMI Triennial Award in 1993. His research is mainly focussed on plant microbe interactions including development of rhizobacterial strains for biocontrol activity and plant growt promotion leading to improvement in crop productivity

Anju Sehrawat, Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University

Ms Anju Sehrawat received her MSc (Microbiology) from CCCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India and currently pursuing her PhD in Microbiology from CCCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. She has published 2 articles in international journals. Her research is mainly focussed on Fusarium wilt management and growth enhancement of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) by using antagonistic Bacillus species

Ruchi Sharma, Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University

Ms Ruchi Sharma received her MSc (Microbiology) from CCCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India and currently pursuing her PhD in Microbiology from CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. She has published 2 articles in College magazine. Her research is mainly focussed on Growth stimulation of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan L.) by using antagonistic rhizobacterial isolates.

Anupma Dahiya, Department of Microbiology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University

Ms Anupma Dahiya received her MSc (Microbiology) from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, India and currently pursuing her PhD in Microbiology from CCCCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India. She has published 2 articles in international journals. Her research is mainly focussed on Bioherbicidal potential of antagonistic rhizosphere bacteria against wild oat (Avena fatua L.) and their inoculation effect on growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).