Development of Antagonistic Microorganism for Biological Control of Pythium Blight of Turfgrass

Pythium blight caused by Pythium spp. is one of major diseases in putting green of golf course. In this study, microorganisms which are anatgonistic to Pythium aphanidermatum, a pathogen of pythium blight, were selected primary through in vitro tests, dual culture method and triple layer agar diffusion method. In vivo test against pythium blight were conducted to select the best candidate biocontrol microorganism by pot experiment in a plastic house. Bacillus subtilis GB-0365 was finally selected as a biocontrol agent against pythium blight. Relative Performance Indies(RPI) was used as a criterion of selecting potential biocontrol agent. B. subtilis GB-0365 showed resistance to major synthetic agrochemicals used in golf course. Alternative application of synthetic agrochemicals and B. subtilis GB-0365 was most effective to successfully contol pythium blight. B. subtilis GB-0365 suppressed the development of pythium bight of bentgrass by 56.4% as compared to non-treated control and its disease control efficacy was 60.9% of a synthetic fungicide Oxapro(WP) efficacy. B. subtilis GB-0365 has a potential to be a biocontrol agent for control of pythium blight.