ANBAR JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Pseudomonas fluorescens(p.f.) and two fungicides Carboxin and Raxil for protecting corn seed and seedling from seed decay and seedling blight. Results indicated that P.f. at 4.5*108 CFU caused fungal growth inhibition for Bipolaris sp, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium moniliforme,Rhizoclonia solani , Ulocludium sp at percentage 62, 56, 56, 62, 62 respectively.Also ,the percentage of seed germination increased significantly in treatment of pathogen in presence of P.f. at 83, 68, 84, 85, 85 for previous fungi compared to 53, 40, 65, 55, 70 respectively in absence of P.f. Carboxin and Raxil fungicides significantly suppressed fungal infection and the effective concentration 50(EC50) for Carboxin were 20, 23, 21, 22, 20 mg/l and for Raxil were 22, 24, 22, 23, 21 for the tested fungi respectively.No toxic effect was observed for Carboxin and Raxil on the bioagent P.f. when used at EC50.The combination of P.f. with Carboxin or Raxil significantly suppressed the infection of tested fungi. Results, also revealed that P.f. showed growth promoting activity for seed germination ,plant height shoot dry weight and root dry weight when corn seed infested with this bacteria.