Prospect and potential of Burkholderia sp. against Phytophthora capsici Leonian: a causative agent for foot rot disease of black pepper

Foot rot disease is a very destructive disease in black pepper in Malaysia. It is caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian, which is a soilborne pathogenic protist (phylum, Oomycota) that infects aerial and subterranean structures of many host plants. This pathogen is a polycyclic, such that multiple cycles of infection and inoculum production occur in a single growing season. It is more prevalent in the tropics because of the favourable environmental conditions. The utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as a biological control agent has been successfully implemented in controlling many plant pathogens. Many studies on the exploration of beneficial organisms have been carried out such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, which is one of the best examples used for the control of Fusarium wilt in tomato. Similarly, P. fluorescens is found to be an effective biocontrol agent against the foot rot disease in black pepper. Nowadays there is tremendous novel increase in the species of Burkholderia with either mutualistic or antagonistic interactions in the environment. Burkholderia sp. is an indigenous PGPR capable of producing a large number of commercially important hydrolytic enzymes and bioactive substances that promote plant growth and health; are eco-friendly, biodegradable and specific in their actions; and have a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity in keeping down the population of phytopathogens, thus playing a great role in promoting sustainable agriculture today. Hence, in this book chapter, the potential applications of Burkholderia sp. to control foot rot disease of black pepper in Malaysia, their control mechanisms, plant growth promotion, commercial potentials and the future prospects as indigenous PGPR were discussed in relation to sustainable agriculture

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Not AvailableA experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of chromium (Cr) on seed germination, root elongation and coleoptile growth in pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan). The seed of the pigeon pea crop was treated with five concentrations of Cr (0, 20, 40, 80 and 100 ppm). The results indicated that the per cent germination of test crop was decreased after application of 20 ppm Cr concentration. The effect on root elongation and shoot growth was more pronounced which gradully decreased with increasing levels of chromium application from 20 to 100 ppm. With the time, root elongation and coleoptile growth was decreased during crop growth. The root elongation of the pigeon pea was more sensitive than coleoptile growth for Crtoxicity.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe use of inorganic fertilizers to increase agricultural crop productivity has declined over time. The application of higher amounts of chemical fertilizers reduces partial factor productivity and increases production cost in Indian agriculture. It also plays a significant role in increasing greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere and deteriorates the quality of the environment. The role of microorganisms in agriculture is mitigating the adverse effect of climate change by increasing C sequestration in the terrestrial ecosystem. Increasing the C content of soil modifies the mineral nutrition of the plant by mediating various reactions. Use of biofertilizers during production of the crop reduces the amount of chemical fertilizer and improves the soil health in physical, chemical, and biological term. In this era, farmers are forced to use poor quality resources to fulfill the demand of hungry mouths of the growing population across the globe, especially in developing countries. More production from limited land is increasing the chemical fertilizers uses, increasing insect pest incidence, and reducing the food quality and quantity. Use of poor natural resources increases the heavy metal toxicity in animal and human systems throughout the food chain and is responsible for the various ill effects. This chapter described the role of microorganisms in carbon sequestration, greenhouse gases (GHGs) emission, and bioremediation to maintain the ecological diversity and a healthy environment for humans.Not Availabl