Effect of systemic fungicides on the efficacy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Schroeter) migula in the control of root-infecting fungi of wheat

Abstract

Effect of various fungicides on the efficacy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium in the control of root-infecting fungi such as Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium oxysporum and F.solani on four different varieties of wheat was evaluated under field conditions. Bayleton (a.i. triadimephon), Bavistin (a.i. carbendazym) and Topsin-M (a.i. thiophanate-methyl) reduced bacterial survival on wheat seeds whereas Benlate (a.i. benomyl) was not effective in this respect. P.aeruginosa used in combination with Benlate showed effective control of soilborne root-infecting fungi along with the enhancement of growth and grain yield of wheat.