Integration of biological and chemical methods in control of pepper bacterial spot

Abstract

Bacterial spot, caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, is widely spread disease of pepper in Serbia. When weather conditions are favorable for disease development, pepper producers do not have adequate resources to control this pathogen. Copper based bactericides registered in our country are not effective enough. However, effective protection could be achieved only by integrating positive effects of different protection methods. In order to develop sustainable and integrated control strategy for this disease, we investigated various combinations of biological control agents and chemicals. Intensity of the disease ranged from 31 to 59% on untreated control plants. All integrated treatments were effective against X. euvesicatoria and significantly reduced disease severity in all experiments, compared to untreated control. The most efficient treatment was integration of acibenzolar-S-methyl, copper hydroxide and bacteriophages, reducing disease severity 97-99%. This combination may be an effective new tool for pepper growers to manage bacterial spot.