Combinatorial approach in evaluation of biocontrol bacterial species with biochemical formulation mitigating Verticillium wilt of cotton

The present study aimed to elucidate the potential of biological control bacterial strains, viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Lysinibacillus macroides , and Bacillus subtilis against V. dahliae causing wilt of Cotton. Out of seven, three strains, viz. Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Lysinibacillus macroides , and Bacillus subtilis have shown significant antagonistic effects in dual culture assay. Antagonistic assays, viz., in vitro inhibition, in vivo field trials, and enzymatic studies revealed significantly superior potential for wilt in Pseudomonas aeruginosa under natural field and pot trials. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterized plants also exhibited higher growth metrics and productivity. The current combinatorial study effectively promotes the use of bacterial biocontrol strains for the reduction in disease incidence, promoting crop yield and growth by combining soil solarization and biochemical formulation for sustainability.