Effect of bio-inoculation on physical health of cabbage seedlings and disease dynamics of Alternaria leaf spot in cabbage under challenge inoculation

Abstract

Cabbage is one of the important vegetable crops grown in India. India being the second largest producer of vegetables accounted for 12% of the total cabbage production in the world for the year 2012-2013[8]. Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria sp. (A. brassicae and A. brassicicola) has been reported from all the continents of the world and is one among the common diseases of cabbage. Alternaria blight is one of the most dominant one that causes average yield loss in the range of 32-57% [5]. Bio-inoculated seedlings exhibited significantly higher vigour index. Seedling vigour was found to be increased in single or combination of Trichoderma and Pseudomonas fluorescence applied through seed treatment. Higher root and shoot dry biomass observed when Trichoderma applied as seed treatment. The rate of chlorophyll degradation was less in two treatments P. fluorescence applied through seed treatment and combined inoculation of Trichoderma and P. fluorescence applied through seed treatment. Low AUDPC was recorded, were Trichoderma and P. fluorescence applied combined through seed treatment.