Purple blotch, a challenging plant disease caused by the fungus Alternaria porri, poses a significant threat to agriculture, with its ability to spread through seeds, soil, water, and air, especially in humid and foggy conditions.
Purple blotch, a challenging plant disease caused by the fungus Alternaria porri, poses a significant threat to agriculture, with its ability to spread through seeds, soil, water, and air, especially in humid and foggy conditions.
PRIMA Agro Tech has developed a strategic approach to control this disease, employing a potent combination of bacterial strains, including Bacillus siamensis, Bacillus subtilis, Paenibacillus polymyxa, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens.
These strains work together to inhibit the fungus, enhance plant defence, and promote overall crop health, representing a comprehensive and sustainable solution to manage purple blotch effectively.
Purple blotch control is vital in managing the health of various crops, as this disease is caused by the fungus Alternaria porri as it poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity. The fungus can be transmitted through multiple channels, including seeds, soil, water media, and air.
The development of this pathogenic fungus is particularly favoured by foggy weather and high humidity, conditions often encountered in certain agricultural regions.
Purple blotch is caused by the fungus Alternaria porri, which has versatile transmission means, challenging its control. The ability of this fungus to spread via seeds, soil, and air, particularly under conditions of high humidity and foggy weather, makes it a persistent threat to a wide range of crops.
Understanding the environmental factors contributing to its spread is crucial for effective disease management.
The primary symptom of purple blotch is the appearance of leaf spots that are round with concentric circles. These spots have a distinctive appearance where the centre part is concave and darker in colour than the surrounding area. This symptom not only compromises the aesthetic quality of the plants but can also lead to a decrease in photosynthetic efficiency, ultimately affecting the overall health and yield of the crop.
To combat purple blotch caused by Alternaria porri, PRIMA Agro Tech has innovated a comprehensive solution using a blend of specialised bacterial strains. Together, these strains form a robust defence mechanism against purple blotch, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to disease management. This strategy not only addresses the immediate threat of the disease but also contributes to the long-term resilience and productivity of the crops.
Bacillus siamensis strain KCTC 13613: This bacterium targets Alternaria porri directly, producing natural antifungal compounds that inhibit the pathogen’s growth. Its action includes disrupting the fungal cell structure and interfering with its reproductive cycle, thereby reducing the spread and severity of purple blotch.
Bacillus subtilis strain PAH17: Renowned for its biocontrol attributes, this strain not only antagonises Alternaria porri through the production of various enzymes and secondary metabolites but also enhances the systemic resistance of the plants. This dual action helps protect the crops from the inside out, making them more resilient to fungal attacks.
Paenibacillus polymyxa strain H-5: This bacterium contributes to a healthier soil microbiome and is less hospitable to Alternaria porri. It secretes a range of biochemicals that suppress the fungus and promote plant growth, improving the overall health and vigour of the crops.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain 50: critical in soil health and plant immunity. Known for its plant growth-promoting and antifungal properties, this strain creates a protective barrier around the roots, preventing fungal invasion and enhancing the plant’s natural defences against purple blotch.