Antagonistic Activity and Molecular Characterization of Isolated Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Against Pseudomonas Syringae Causing Bacterial Canker Diseases in Apricot

Phytopathogenic bacteria are causing severe losses in crops, orchards and vegetables. Bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of plants, acting as biological control agent, play an important role in suppression of disease caused by phytopathogenic bacteria. The purpose of this study is to do the molecular characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from the rhizospheric soil of apricot trees and assessing its antagonistic potential against bacterial canker disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae. During In vitro activity Rh37 produced best results against all the virulent isolates of P. syringae. Rh37 as stongest antagonistic isolate was selected and referred to molecular characterization. During greenhouse evaluation of antagonists, rhizobacteria when applied resulted into maximum disease suppression and enhanced plant growth characters (Shoot height, shoot fresh weight and shoot dry weight). On molecular characterization, Rh37 was identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The result of this study suggests P. aeruginosa as a good biocontrol agent against P. syringae causing bacterial canker disease.