Field efficacy of inorganic carrier based formulations of <i>Serratia entomophila</i> AB2 in <i>Sesamum indicum</i> var. Kanak

Abstract

Serratia entomophila is a well-known bacterium of agricultural importance for its nutrient (P and Zn) solubilization, plant growth promoter (IAA) production, antifungal activity and larvaecidal activity against coleopteran and lepidopteron pest. In the present study, an attempt was taken to reduce the use of chemical pesticide and fertilizer by using two inorganic carriers (talcum powder and vermiculite) based formulation of S. entomophila in sesame. From the experimental results it was evident that the vermiculite based formulation of S. entomophila AB2 proved a better shelf life than that of talcum based formulation at 180^th day. Mean-while, both of the inorganic carrier based formulations of S. entomophila AB2 showed better results than the unformulated S. entomophila AB2 product and 100% NPK (60:60:50). Experimental data ensured that vermiculite based formulation work more efficiently in controlling lepidopteron pest attack by 53% than that of talcum powder based formulation 31%. Productivity of sesame was also increased more with vermiculite based formulation (249%) in comparison to talcum powder based formulation (138%). It may be inferred that cumulative effect of high rate of seed germination, nutrient solubilization and reduced rate of pest attack resulted into 4.8 time enhanced yield in sesame in case of vermiculite formulated product. On the basis of the result of this experiment, it can be recommended that vermiculite (80 g/100 g of product) based formulation of S. entomophila AB2 applied  at 3.6 qt hec^-1 in sesame could be an effective measure of lepidopteron pest control as well as biofertilizer for qualitative and quantitative increase of sesame.

Keywords: Serratia entomophila AB2, formulation, talcum powder, vermiculite pest control, productivity, integrated crop management (ICM).

African Journal of Biotechnology, Vol 13(31) 3481-3488