Deciphering the influence of bioagents and elicitors in managing seed borne and foliar disease in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

Soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) is a vital oilseed crop known for its high protein and oil content. However, its productivity is significantly constrained by seed-and foliar-borne diseases, which affect early seedling establishment, plant vigor, and yield. The indiscriminate use of chemical fungicides for disease control has raised concerns over environmental safety, resistance development, and residue accumulation. In this study, the effectiveness of selected bioagents (Trichoderma harzianum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Streptomyces spp.) and chemical elicitors (BTH and BABA) was evaluated for their role in disease suppression and growth promotion in soybean under field conditions. Field experiments were conducted across two locations using two soybean varieties to assess treatment responses under varied agro-climatic conditions. Treatments were evaluated based on parameters such as field emergence, plant height, number of pods, and disease severity. Results revealed that bioagents and elicitors significantly improved seedling emergence and reduced disease incidence compared to the untreated control. Among the treatments, certain combinations of Streptomyces recemochromogenes (AUDT 626) showed superior performance in enhancing plant vigor and minimizing disease symptoms. This study highlights the potential of integrating bioagents and elicitors into disease management programs as sustainable alternatives to chemical fungicides. The findings support the development of eco-friendly strategies for improving soybean health, productivity, and resilience in diverse field environments.