Biocontrol Of Rice Bacterial Blight By Plant Associated Bacteria

Bacterial blight (BB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most serious diseases in rice, leading to severe crop losses of 10-20% in moderate conditions and up to 50% in highly conducive conditions. BB management tactics, such as resistant cultivars, are the most economical strategy for disease management, although it has only been partially successful because of an enormous diversity in the pathogens, while others, such as agro-chemicals, are harmful to the environment. Therefore, biocontrol assumes a special significance in being an ecologically conscious, cost-effective alternative strategy for bacterial blight management without the negative effect of synthetic chemicals that can cause environmental pollution and may induce pathogen resistance.

Autorentext

Dr. P. Velusamy is an Assistant Professor in Department of Biotechnology, School of Bioengineering, SRM University, India. He has completed his doctoral study at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Botany, University of Madras. His empirical research includes the biological control of plant pathogens, PGPR, mechanism of antimicrobial activity.