Khaled Hussein Arafat
Assiut University Egypt
Title: Biological control of Erwinia amylovora on pear trees by alternative bactericides
Biography
Biography: Khaled Hussein Arafat
Abstract
The blossom blight phase of fire blight disease on pear trees, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora (Burrill), is typically managed by applying the antibiotic, streptomycin sulfate and copper, to trees during blossom. Biological control agents of fire blight can be achieved by applying nonpathogenic bacteria, viz. Bacillus subtilis or Pantoea agglomerans and plant extract, viz. Harmel during open flowers as spraying treatments. The objective of this study was to examine the alternative bactericides against bacterium E. amylovora in vitro and in vivo during two seasons (2013-2014) in Al-Gharbia governorate, Egypt. Our results confirmed the ability of these non-pathogenic bacteria and plant extract can decreased fire blight severity on pear trees. Further studies with different locations in Egypt and larger sample sizes would allow us to make stronger recommendations including their ability to prevent disease and make it in integrated pest management program.