Late Blight Control

Late blight is a devastating plant disease caused by the aggressive fungus Phytophthora sp. It is a major agricultural challenge, especially under high humidity and foggy weather conditions.

PRIMA Agro Tech addresses this threat with a comprehensive microbial strategy, leveraging the capabilities of Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. These microorganisms work synergistically to inhibit the pathogen through multiple channels, enhance plant immunity, and promote overall crop health, offering a sustainable and effective solution for late blight control.

About the Plant Disease

Phytophthora species are a group of oomycetes, microorganisms often mistakenly referred to as fungi, responsible for many plant diseases. These pathogens are notorious for their ability to cause significant agricultural damage, leading to severe crop losses across various plant species. Their destructive impact is particularly pronounced in conditions of foggy weather and high humidity, environments in which Phytophthora thrives.

onsistent moisture creates an ideal breeding ground for these pathogens, facilitating their proliferation and spread. Phytophthora infestans, the agent behind the infamous potato blight, thrive in cool, wet conditions, leading to rapid crop deterioration and substantial economic losses. Similarly, under conducive environmental conditions, other species within this genus attack various hosts, including vegetables, ornamentals, and fruit trees.

The challenge in managing Phytophthora diseases lies in their persistence and the variety of life forms they can infect. Effective control measures often involve integrated approaches, including resistant cultivars, careful water management to avoid excessive moisture, and the strategic use of fungicides.

Pathogen(s)

Late blight is caused by the fungus Phytophthora sp., a highly adaptable and aggressive pathogen capable of infecting plants through various channels. Its primary modes of transmission include:

Seed Transmission: The pathogen can reside in or on seeds, spreading to the seedlings as they grow
Soil Transmission: Phytophthora spores can survive in the soil and infect plants through their roots or lower stems
Water Media: Spores can disperse through irrigation water or rain splashes, facilitating rapid spread across fields
Airborne Transmission: Under favourable conditions, the spores can become airborne, infecting plants over a wide area

The pathogen thrives in moist, humid conditions, challenging its management in such environments.

Symptoms & Damage

The early symptoms of late blight include dark brown spots on leaf tips or stems. These spots rapidly expand, spreading widespread infection and potentially causing complete plant death. The speed of this spread can lead to catastrophic crop failures if not managed promptly and effectively.

Microbial Consortium

PRIMA Agro Tech provides an innovative, sustainable approach to managing late blight by integrating these bacterial strains. This strategy targets the immediate threat and focuses on long-term crop health and productivity.

Bacillus siamensis strain KCTC 13613: This bacterium produces antifungal compounds that inhibit the growth and spread of Phytophthora sp. It disrupts the pathogen’s life cycle, reducing its ability to infect new plants.

Bacillus subtilis strain PAH17: PAH17 is known for its biocontrol abilities, enhancing plant immune responses. It secretes enzymes and secondary metabolites that directly attack Phytophthora sp., providing a layer of active defence against the pathogen.

Paenibacillus polymyxa strain H-5 contributes to soil health, suppressing Phytophthora sp. through its antifungal properties. It also promotes plant growth, which helps enhance the plants’ overall resilience against infections.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 50: Recognized for its biocontrol and plant growth-promoting properties, this bacterium establishes a protective environment around the plant roots. It competes with Phytophthora sp. for resources and space, effectively reducing the pathogen’s ability to establish itself.

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