Biocontrol Potential of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Extract and Pseudomonas fluorescens Against Erwinia carotovora, the Causal Agent of Potato Soft Rot

Abstract

Background: Solanum tuberosum L. is among the most important food crops in the world and it is very susceptible to an infection known as bacterial soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora (syn. Pectobacterium carotovorum). The disease causes high postharvest and field losses.

Objectives: This study was carried out to test the antibacterial effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) extract and Pseudomonas fluorescens, applied separately and together against E. carotovora that causes potato soft rot, and also to see how well they might work if used as integrated biocontrol agents.

Methods: Treated potato tubers were prepared with turmeric extract, P. fluorescens, and their combination followed by inoculation of E. carotovora. The antibacterial activity of turmeric extract was assayed through standard in vitro methods while the antagonistic potential of P. fluorescens was determined by dual culture assay and a challenge on the tuber. Measures on disease severity and lesion size, percentage rot reduction were taken. Data were statistically analyzed to compare treatments using ANOVA.

Results: Turmeric extract and P. fluorescens when applied separately significantly inhibited the growth of E. carotovora hence demonstrating direct antibacterial and antagonistic effects respectively. The combined application proved more efficacious having the highest reduction in disease incidence as well as lesion size compared to when applied individually. A synergistic interaction was facilitated by phytochemicals in turmeric whereby the former imposes a direct bactericidal activity while the latter organism imposes not only antagonism but also induction of host defense responses.

Conclusions: It is suggested that the integration of turmeric extract and P. fluorescens yields an efficient eco-friendly sustainable management for soft rot in potatoes caused by E. carotovora. This integrated approach will reduce the usage of chemical bactericides, ensure crop protection under environmentally safe conditions, and be practicable as a biocontrol management option for potato growers. Field-scale validation is advocated further to test its practicability on real natural growth conditions.

Keywords:

Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Pseudomonas fluorescens, Erwinia carotovora, Potato Soft Rot.

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