S. Chhetri, S. Manivannan, S. Gurumayum, D. Jhajharia and L.D. Khwairakpam
Abstract
A field as well as in vitro study was conducted in the years 2018-2019 to determine the efficiency of short sequence peptides (SSPs)/antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as well as conventional organic inputs in inhibiting bacterial diseases of solanaceous vegetables in addition to their effect on growth and yield. Tomato and brinjal plants grown in polyhouses were challenge inoculated with inoculums of R. solanacearum and X. campestris pv. vesicatoria at a concentration of 109 CFU/ml. The infected plants were subsequently treated with organic inputs and AMPs. The effect of these treatments on the bacterial wilt and bacterial leaf spot symptoms in tomato and brinjal plants was assessed. The study revealed that antimicrobial peptides had a promising effect on the growth and yield of plants in addition to having disease inhibiting properties. The agar well method was used in in vitro condition to assess the inhibiting effect of these treatments on the pathogens. The highest zone of inhibition (3 mm) was obtained in X. campestris pv. vesicatoria by the application of antimicrobial peptides. Therefore, the present study widens the scope of organic inputs and AMPs for further research as alternatives to inorganic agrochemicals.