Cyclic lipopeptides (CLPs) with antibiotic, biosurfactant producing fluorescent pseudomonads were isolated from sugar beet-maize intercropped in sandy loam soils at Maize Research Station, Vagarai, TNAU. Approximately 20 fluorescent pseudomonads from sandy loam soils were isolated by using two different growth media. The strains were distinguished based on their growth, CFU/g, fluorescence, and pigment production. Growth inhibition of maize pathogens by CLP producing fluorescent pseudomonads strains were studied by dual culture experiments. The impact of CLP producing flurorescent pseudomonads strain on the zoospores of Downy mildew pathogen of maize was studied by direct microscopy and encysted zoospores were observed. Invitro, biochemical experiments confirmed the presence of Viscosinamide producing strain among the fluorescent pseudomonads isolates in terms of utilization of C and N sources. The particular strain was tested for its growth promoting activity by treating the maize seeds for their germination, and seedling vigour performance. Fluorescent pseudomonads can be affiliated to group under CLP producing biotypes/biovars. Purification of CLP (Viscosinamide) and characterization by HPLC analysis was carried out. Pot culture experiments were conducted to test the performance of CLP producing Pf strains in maize crop for testing their disease resistance. These biovars with antibiotic properties are the potential targets for the disease management in maize. CLPs in general receive considerable attention as potent antimicrobial drugs.

Bioassay of biocontrol agents and fungicides against Maize Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani showed inhibition. Among the biocontrol agents, Bacillus subtilis and among the fungicides Hexaconazole was found to be effective under field conditions with the percent disease incidence of 2.25% and 3.00% respectively over control 10.45%. Seed treatment (4g/kg) and soil application (2.5kg/ha) of Bacillus subtilis recorded 78.46% reduction in sheath blight incidence and highest grain yield of 6.7t/ha. Foliar spraying of Hexaconazole (0.2%) showed 71.30% reduction and grain yield of 6.4t/ha. Hence, seed treatment and soil application of Bacillus subtilis is considered to be effective against BLSB under field condition. Seed treatment and soil application of Bacillus subtilis, Foliar spraying of Hexaconazole may be recommended for Banded Leaf and Sheath Blight of Maize.

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