PGPM Tablets: A Sustainable Solution for Managing Foot Rot Disease in Black Pepper

Abstract

Black pepper holds significant importance as a spice crop in Kerala, a state often referred to as the "Land of Spices" for its substantial contribution to India's economy through exports. Phytophthora foot rot poses a significant challenge in nurseries across the black pepper-growing regions of Kerala, leading to substantial economic losses for farmers. A study was undertaken to develop and evaluate a tablet formulation of Plant Growth Promoting Microbes (PGPM) and other biocontrol agents for promoting growth and managing foot rot disease in black pepper (Piper nigrum L.). The findings revealed that the PGPM tablet formulation, along with the liquid formulation of Trichoderma (KAU), emerged as the most effective treatments for suppressing foot rot. Biometric analysis showed that plants treated with the PGPM tablet (Bacillus cereus., Trichoderma spp.) formulation recorded the greatest plant height, number of nodes, and leaves, performing on par with the talc-based PGPM formulation. Soil microbial analysis, conducted before and after treatment using serial dilution and plating techniques, indicated that the PGPM tablet consistently supported the highest counts of viable fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes in the soil. Thus, the tablet formulation of PGPM emerged as the most effective treatment for promoting growth and managing Phytophthora disease in black pepper, showcasing its potential as a promising solution for sustainable crop health and productivity.