Abstract

Amsalingam Roobakkumar1*, Azariah Babu1, Duraikkannu Vasantha Kumar1,Vattakandy Jasin Rahman1 and Soumik Sarkar

The biocontrol efficacy of the bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens was evaluated against the red spider mite (RSM), Oligonychus coffeae in the laboratory. Both bacterial suspension and extra cellular filtrate of 24, 48 and 72 h old were sprayed to test the efficacy of bacterium against adult mites. The mortality due to P. fluorescens increased as the age and percentage of culture increased. Chitinase activity of P. fluorescens in response to chitin induction was measured in nutrient agar by estimating the amount of reducing sugars liberated. Chitinase activity was higher in 72 h old culture.