Efficacy of liquid organic manures against bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris under in-vitro conditions

Abstract

Black rot caused by a bacterium Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is most destructive disease attacking all cruciferous vegetables. Amongst them, cabbage is a highly susceptible host for black rot infection. The disease causes losses by premature defoliation and significantly reduces head quality. In ancient Indian times, crop cultivation had been adapted use of fermented liquid organic manures and amendments like Panchagavya, Beejamrutha, Jeevamrutha, cow urine, fermented buttermilk and Kunapajala which are also well documented in various Hindu scriptures and Vrikshayurveda. Here, such six various organic inputs were tested at four different concentrations, i.e., 3, 5, 7 and 10 per cent using agar diffusion method against Xcc. All organic inputs could inhibit the growth of Xcc at 7 and 10 per cent concentrations as compared to control. Highest growth inhibition (8.79%) was recorded in herbal Kunapajala (10%) followed by cow urine (10%). Hence, the outcome of this study holds substantial implications of organic inputs for sustainable agricultural practices.