ISSN 2756-3839
International Journal of Nematology and Entomology Vol. 1 (6), pp. 117-120, November, 2013. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Pseudomonas fluorescens as an efficient entomopathogen against Oligonychus coffeae Nietner (Acari: Tetranychidae) infesting tea
Amsalingam Roobakkumar1*, Azariah Babu1, Duraikkannu Vasantha Kumar1, Vattakandy Jasin Rahman1 and Soumik Sarkar2
1Division of Entomology, UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Tea Research Institute, Nirar Dam BPO,
Valparai 642 127, India.
2Division of Plant Pathology, UPASI Tea Research Foundation, Tea Research Institute, Nirar Dam BPO, Valparai 642 127, India.
*Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected]. Tel: +91 4253-235301, 235303. Fax: +91 4253-235302.
Accepted 28 July, 2013
Abstract
The biocontrol efficacy of the bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens was evaluated against the red spider mite (RSM), Oligonychus coffeae in the laboratory. Both bacterial suspension and extra cellular filtrate of 24, 48 and 72 h old were sprayed to test the efficacy of bacterium against adult mites. The mortality due to P. fluorescens increased as the age and percentage of culture increased. Chitinase activity of P. fluorescens in response to chitin induction was measured in nutrient agar by estimating the amount of reducing sugars liberated. Chitinase activity was higher in 72 h old culture.
Key words: Pseudomonas fluorescens, red spider mite (RSM), tea, biocontrol, chitinase.