Factors influencing vermicompost as carrier for biocontrol organisms

Vermicompost is a rich source of macro and micro nutrients for plant growth. The information on enriching vermicompost with beneficial microorganisms is meager. The present study was aimed 1) to find out the importance of gauge size of the polyethylene storage bags for retaining optimum moisture for longer period of time and 2) to use sterile and unsterile vermicompost as carrier material to stretch the viability of the required density af the organisms.The above investigation suggested the favorable moisture level and suitable polyethylene bags for increasing the shelf life of biocontrol agents i.e., 25% moisture level and 39 gauge polyethylene bags. Hence, in this experiment sterilized vs. unsterilized vermicompost were compared for the ability to harbor biocontrol agents using 39 gauge polyethylene bags and vermicompost at 25 % moisture level. According to the results obtained using sterilized and unsterilized vermicompost, the colony forming units of biocontrol agents was significantly higher in case of sterilized vermicompost as compared to unsterilized vermicompost with respect to all the three biocontrol agents.

Autorentext

Ms. Uma Thavamani, M.Sc at Bangalore University and M.Phil (Microbiology) at Vinayaka Mission University, Salem, India. Lecturer in Microbiology,Department of PG Studies in Lifescience, Mount Carmel College(Autonomous),Bangalore. Her area of research is mainly focused on biocontrol agents enriched in vermicompost for suppression of plant pathogens.