CHARACTERIZATION OF PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING RHIZOBACTERIA FOR COMPATIBILITY WITH COMMONLY USED AGROCHEMICALSBh. Sarvani, R. Subhash Reddy and J. Sai PrasadAbstract Modern Agriculture is heavily dependent on the application of chemical pesticides for disease control. Due to the concerns regarding both human health and environmental protection, viable alternatives to these chemicals are being sought. The interest in the use of biological approaches to replace hazardous pesticides in fertilizing soils or improve plant resistance against phytopathogens is steadily gaining worldwide acceptance. PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) isolates having biocontrol activity are more effective when they are compatible with the plant protection inputs like pesticides, they can be freely used in the integrated crop protection practices. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken to isolate and characterize bacterial isolates as Rhizobium, Pseudomonas and Bacillus isolates based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characters. The isolates were previously studied for PGP attributes including biocontrol activity. The PGP isolates having biocontrol activity were selected further to know the compatibility against commonly used agrochemicals like fungicides (Copper oxy chloride, Carbendazim, Thiram and Captan) insecticides (Phorate, Carbofuran, Imidachloprid and Chlorpyriphos) and herbicides (Alachlor, Butachlor, Pendimethalin and Oxy fluorofen) at their recommended and half the recommended dosages. Results revealed that, majority of the isolates found to be compatible with the agrochemicals used at their recommended and half the recommended dosages. |