Pepper root rot resistance and pepper yield are enhanced through biological agent G15 soil amelioration

Abstract

Pepper root rot is a serious soil-borne disease that hinders pepper production, and efforts are being made to identify biological agents that can prevent and control pepper root rot. Our group recently discovered and produced a biological agent, named G15, which reduces the diversity and richness of fungi and bacteria when applied to pepper fields. In the soil of the G15-treatment condition, the pathogenic fungus Fusarium was inhibited, while the richness of beneficial bacteria Rhodanobacter was increased. Also, the ammonia nitrogen level was decreased in the G15-treatment soil, and the pH, total carbon, and total potassium levels were increased. Compared to the control condition, pepper yield was increased in the treatment group (by 16,680 kg acre-1). We found that G15 could alter the microbial community structure of the pepper rhizosphere. These changes alter the physical and chemical properties of the soil and, ultimately, improve resistance to pepper root rot and increase pepper yield.