Effect of Ami Bacillus subtilis on Maydis Leaf Blight Disease of Corn

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Ami Bacillus subtilis as a biocontrol agent for controlling maydis leaf blight in maize and consider its potential to improve crop growth and yield.Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted at the Ami Experimental Farm in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from 2020 to 2021.Ami Bacillus subtilis was applied as a soil treatment at a rate of 1 kg per acre, with seed treatments applied at varied intervals (weekly, bimonthly, and every three weeks).Disease severity was determined using the Area under Disease Development Curve (AUDDC), and growth characteristics such as root length, plant height, and yield were also measured.Statistical analyses using ANOVA and Tukey's test showed that seed treatment with Ami B. subtilis significantly improved root length (17.0 cm) and plant height (183.4 cm) compared to untreated maize seedlings.AUDDC values for disease severity decreased from 8.1 in untreated controls to 4.0 under weekly Ami B. subtilis applications.The application of Ami B. subtilis also drastically increased plant height (191.3 cm) and resulted in a 46.2% increase in maize yield per ear.Ami Bacillus subtilis showed the ability to encourage beneficial microbial communities in soil, thereby increasing overall soil health.The potential of Ami Bacillus subtilis as a long-term and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides represents an effective way to enhance maize production.