Management of rice sheath blight by Pseudomonas fluorescens and Grain Yield

Field trials were conducted to compare relative efficacy of potential isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens and commercial formulations against sheath blight of rice. Foliar sprays with different isolates of fluorescent pseudomonads in transplanted rice significantly reduced severity and incidence of the disease. Pfr 1 (a rice rhizosphere isolate) was more effective in reducing the disease and increasing grain yield and 1000-grain weight. Pfr 5 was found next in order of effectivity against the disease. Cantaf, a triazole compound applied as foliar sprays on transplanted rice reduced disease severity and incidence by 68.5 and 36.4%, respectively. Pfr 1 was found best against sheath blight as compared to commercial formulations of bio-agent(s).