BACILLUS-SUBTILIS AS A POTENTIAL BIOCONTROL AGENT OF THE NORTHERN LEAF-BLIGHT OF CORN

Four Bacillus subtilis isolates (AP-3, AP-420, IF-36 and IF-82) were s tudied as potential agents for the biocontrol of the Northern leaf bli ght of corn, caused by Exserohilum turcicum. The bacteria demonstrated good biocontrol efficiency under greenhouse conditions. Considering t he average value of the three application periods, AP-420 proved to be the most effective. Application of the antagonists at the same time a s E. turcicum inoculation gave the best results. Under laboratory cond itions, the bacteria produced extracellular, non-volatile and diffusib le metabolites which inhibited E. turcicum mycelial growth and conidia l germination.