EVALUATION OF NATIVE ADVANTAGEOUS MICROORGANISMS FOR NATURAL CONTROL OF DARK LEAF SPOT SICKNESS IN COCONUT TREES

Аннотация

INTRODUCTION plant diseases. Indigenous beneficial Coconut trees (Cocos nucifera) are economically microorganisms present in the local ecosystem important crops grown in many tropical regions, have shown potential as natural antagonists providing livelihoods for numerous communities. against plant pathogens. These microorganisms However, coconut production is often threatened can provide a sustainable and cost-effective by various diseases, including grey leaf spot solution for controlling grey leaf spot disease in disease caused by the pathogen Pestalotiopsis spp. coconut trees. Grey leaf spot disease can result in significant yield losses and economic hardships for coconut This study aims to assess the efficacy of indigenous farmers. Traditional control methods, such as the beneficial microorganisms as biological control use of chemical pesticides, have limitations in agents against grey leaf spot disease in coconut terms of sustainability and environmental impact. trees. By harnessing the natural microorganisms found in the local environment, this research seeks In recent years, there has been increasing interest to develop a sustainable and eco-friendly strategy in biological control as an alternative and for disease management in coconut plantations. environmentally friendly approach for managing https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajabe 1 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (ISSN – 2689-1018) VOLUME 06 ISSUE07 METHOD The collected samples were subjected to isolation procedures in the laboratory, involving selective The study involved the collection of indigenous media and culture techniques to isolate potential microorganisms from the local environment, beneficial microorganisms. These microorganisms including soil and plant samples obtained from were then characterized and identified using coconut plantations with a history of grey leaf spot molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing or disease. These samples were carefully collected to biochemical assays, to confirm their identity and ensure the representation of diverse determine their potential for biological control. microorganisms. other appropriate methods to assess the inhibition In vitro laboratory experiments were conducted to of pathogen growth or spore germination. The evaluate the antagonistic activity of the isolated efficacy of the microorganisms was quantitatively microorganisms against the grey leaf spot measured by determining parameters such as pathogen. This involved dual-culture assays or inhibition zones or percentage inhibition. https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajabe 2 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (ISSN – 2689-1018) VOLUME 06 ISSUE07 soil drenches or foliar sprays, following Selected microorganisms demonstrating appropriate application protocols. Disease promising antagonistic activity were further severity, lesion size, or other relevant parameters evaluated in greenhouse experiments. Coconut were monitored and compared with control plants plants infected with grey leaf spot disease were to assess the effectiveness of the microorganisms treated with the isolated microorganisms, either as in suppressing disease development. https://www.theamericanjournals.com/index.php/tajabe 3 THE USA JOURNALS THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (ISSN – 2689-1018) VOLUME 06 ISSUE07 factors influencing the success of their application, Data collected from the experiments were analyzed such as formulation, timing, and method of using appropriate statistical methods to determine application. The section may also explore the the significance of the results. The findings from the potential challenges and limitations associated laboratory and greenhouse experiments were then with implementing this approach, such as compiled and interpreted to assess the overall variability in microbial effectiveness, potential of the indigenous beneficial environmental conditions, and the need for further microorganisms as biological control agents for research. grey leaf spot disease in coconut trees. The discussion may consider the broader The method employed in this study provides a implications of adopting biological control systematic approach to evaluate the efficacy of strategies in coconut plantations. It may highlight indigenous microorganisms as biological control the environmental benefits, such as reduced agents against grey leaf spot disease in coconut reliance on chemical pesticides and minimized trees. It allows for the identification of potential impact on non-target organisms. The section may candidates for further development and also discuss the potential for integrating biological implementation as sustainable disease control with other management practices, such as management strategies in coconut plantations. cultural practices or resistant coconut varieties, to RESULTS achieve a comprehensive and s