Identification of Ralstonia Solanacearum in Kyrgyzstan's Potato Fields and the Possibility of Using Biocontrol Agents Against this Pathogen

In this study, we have used well-known, efficient methods and bioassay for systematic screening of R. solanacearum for identification of its phenotype and biochemical profile, as well as for pathogenicity and virulence. As a result, an aggressive race — Biovar 3 — was most isolated from the potato fields of the Issyk-Kul region, especially in fields where the Picasso variety was grown. The isolated indigenous strains of Streptomyces diastatochromogenesstrain sk-6 and Streptomyces bambergiensis strain k1-3 has the potential to be used as a biocontrol agent for the management of the bacterial wilt of potatoes, as indicated by the reduced percentage wilt incidence. Root zone and soil application of Streptomyces diastatochromogenesstrain sk-6 and Streptomyces bambergiensis strain k1-3 at a dose of 108 cell/ml significantly reduced disease incidence and increased the growth of potato plants. The disease’s progress was reduced by 60% and 56% in plants inoculated with Streptomyces diastatochromogenesstrain sk-6 and Streptomyces bambergiensis strain k1-3, respectively.

Keywords: bacterial wilt of potatoes, biocontrol, R. solanacearum, Streptomyces diastatochromogenes, Streptomyces bambergiensis.