Evaluation of the Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Trichoderma viride against Bacterial Wilt of Tomato

Bacterial wilt, caused by the soil-borne pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum is an important disease of tomatoes, causing plant death and significant yield losses. The three known antagonistic organisms Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KUCd1) and Trichoderma viride were tested under in vitro and in vivo conditions against Ralstonia solanacearum. B. subtilis showed a significant antagonistic effect when pre-inoculated before the pathogen. Both under in vitro and green house conditions, a combination of the two bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KUCd1) in equal proportion also lowered the disease incidence by 51-55%.The studies indicate the efficacy of B. subtilis and the consortium of Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (KUCd1) as potential bio-control agents against the bacterial wilt of tomato.