Biological control of gummy stem blight (black rot)‎ disease of cucurbits in the field using chicken manure and Bacillus polymyxa

Abstract EN

This research was carried out with the objective of using organic methods for control of gummy stem blight (black rot) disease and improve the production of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) and squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) in the field.

The experiment was conducted during 2000 and 2001 growing seasons.

Nitrogen chemical fertilizers were replaced by chicken manure as an organic treatment.

Bacillus polymyxa was applied to both seeds and foliar for disease control.

Incidence of gummy stem blight caused by Didymella bryoniae was significantly reduced in cucumber plants in both seasons (–68 % and –52.9.5 % in 2000 and 2001 growing seasons, respectively), while significant reduction of the disease in squash was observed only in the second growing season (–50 %).

The results obtained indicated that organic treatments increased vigor of both cucumber and squash significantly (up to 257 %) and increased their yields by up to 97 and 67 %, respectively.

The number of fruits per plant was also increased significantly (up to 41 %) in organically treated plants.