Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of Lentinula edodes against Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria

Bacterial spot of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) is a devastating disease of tomato world-wide. In the southeastern United States, high summer temperatures and humidity are ideal conditions for this disease, resulting in defoliation, fruit spotting and a significant reduction in fruit yield. Current organic production practices restrict the use of synthetic chemicals for disease control; hence, there is a need for the development of new and effective biopesticides to mitigate plant diseases. Among several biological agents with potential for disease control, Lentinula edodes (shiitake mushroom) has been shown to have antibacterial properties. A controlled-environment study was therefore conducted to validate L. edodes mycelia culture filtrate (Le_mcf) foliar application to control bacterial spot of tomato using the cultivar Agriset 761. Lentinula edodes mycelia culture filtrate foliar spray significantly suppressed bacterial spot incidence in tomato foliage in vitro but was not effective in vivo. The phytotoxicity symptoms in Le_mcf-treated tomato foliage were attributed to the presence of 422.78 μg of oxalic acid per milliliter of Le_mcf (quantified by high-pressure liquid chromatography). Plant height and flowering were normal in Le_mcf-treated plants. Additionally, Le_mcf seed treatment did not adversely impact tomato germination but significantly enhanced the germination of marginal tomato seeds subjected to biotic stress (Xcv). Our results suggest that after eliminating oxalic acid from Le_mcf, the product may be a potential biopesticide for managing bacterial spot of tomato. Future greenhouse or field experiments should be conducted after eliminating oxalic acid from L. edodes culture filtrates.     

The effect of systemic fungicides,applied as seed treatments or early foliar sprays,on speckled leaf blotch of wheat, Mycosphaerella graminicola (Fuckel) Schroeter

Control of speckled leaf blotch (Mycosphaerella graminicola) of wheat (Triticum aestivum) with systemic fungicides used as seed treatments or foliar sprays was studied. Seed treatment with either imazalil (1·125 g/kg seed), nuarimol (0·2 g/kg), thiabendazole (1·5 and 0·75 g/kg), triadimenol (0·3 and 0·2 g/kg) or Shell WL 47675 (0·415 g/kg) reduced the number of infected plants by 28–62% when assessments were made 11 weeks after sowing. Thiabendazole (1·5 and 0·75 g/kg) and triadimefon (0·3 and 0·2 g/kg) slowed the development of speckled leaf blotch for c. 15 weeks after sowing. A single foliar spray of triadimefon (125 g/ha) slowed the development of the disease for c. 10 weeks, but a single spray of benomyl controlled it for the whole season. There was no additional benefit from combining a seed treatment of triadimefon (0·225 g/kg) with the foliar spray.     

Population dynamics of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians on different plant species and management of bacterial leaf spot of lettuce under greenhouse conditions

The population dynamics of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians (Xcv) was studied both externally and internally in lettuce, tomato and pepper plants. In addition, the application of bactericides during transplant production period was carried out for the management of bacterial leaf spot of lettuce under greenhouse conditions. Epiphytic populations of Xcv were recovered on leaves of lettuce plants (10⁵ CFU/g) 5 weeks after sprayed than the other plant species when inoculated with 10⁸ CFU/ml of Xcv. When plants of each crop species infiltrated with the bacterium at 10⁵ CFU/ml, the highest populations were developed in lettuce (10⁸ CFU/cm²) followed by pepper with 10⁶ CFU/cm² and tomato with 10⁵ CFU/cm² 10-days after infiltration. Application of a mixture of Maneb and Kocide or Kocide alone as a foliar spray on lettuce significantly reduced the incidence and disease severity of bacterial leaf spot by 29 and 27% respectively. Spread of the bacterium and development of the disease may partly be managed by avoiding intercropping of these plants commonly grown in close proximity to lettuce. For the management of leaf-associated populations of Xcv in lettuce, use of a mixture of Maneb and Kocide is advocated to minimize the effect of attacks.     

Control of Helminthosporium leaf blight of spring wheat using seed treatments and single foliar spray in Indo-Gangetic Plains of Nepal

Four fungicides for seed treatments and one as foliar spray were tested in replicated field experiments in a strip plot design to determine the effect of fungicides on Helminthosporium leaf blight (caused by Cochliobolus sativus and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis) severity and grain yield of wheat. Wheat seed cv. RR 21 was treated with fungicides, carbendazim (Areestin), triadimenol (Baytan), tebuconazole (Raxil), and carboxin + thiram (Vitavax 200B). Single foliar application of propiconazole (Tilt) was sprayed at flowering stage. Controls were included for both factors and treatments were replicated four times. Triadimenol and carboxin + thiram increased seed germination in both years. Triadimenol, tebuconazole, and carboxin + thiram reduced the number of infected seedlings and seedling root rot severity in both years. Number of tillers was higher in carboxin + thiram treated plots compared to other seed treatments. Compared to the control, carboxin + thiram increased grain yield by 9% and 8% in 2004 and 2005, respectively, and triadimenol by 6% in both years. The foliar spray of propiconazole significantly reduced Helminthosporium leaf blight severity and increased thousand-kernel weights. Propiconazole spray increased grain yield by 15% and 14% in 2004 and 2005, respectively. Therefore, seed treatment either with triadimenol or carboxin + thiram in combination with single post-flowering foliar spray of fungicides should minimize grain yield loss due to wheat foliar blight in South Asia. The findings of this study could be useful in developing strategies to manage Helminthosporium leaf blight in South Asia and other warm wheat growing regions of the world.     

Evaluation of fungicides to control circular leaf spot of persimmon caused by Mycosphaerella nawae

The efficacy of ten fungicides against Mycosphaerella nawae, the causal agent of circular leaf spot (CLS) of persimmon, was evaluated in vitro and in field experiments. Field trials were conducted in 2009 and 2010 to investigate the comparative efficacy of the fungicides alone or combined using alternating sequences in spray programmes based on two, three or four applications. Disease incidence was assessed by estimating the percentage of affected leaves, which included leaves showing at least one necrotic spot and defoliation. Fenpropimorph, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole and thiophanate-methyl were the most effective fungicides in inhibiting mycelial growth of M. nawae isolates (EC₅₀ < 2 ppm). In field experiments, the most effective fungicides using two spray applications were captan, chlorothalonil, mancozeb and pyraclostrobin which significantly reduced disease incidence compared with untreated plots. Regarding the number of spray applications, two applications of captan and mancozeb were less efficient than three to control the disease. However, the percentage of affected leaves provided by three applications of captan and mancozeb alone or combined with pyraclostrobin using alternating sequences in spray programmes, was not significantly different from that provided by four applications. Experimental results demonstrated that spray programmes based on three applications of these fungicides could effectively control CLS of persimmon. The advantages of spray programmes based on alternated use of strobilurins and protective fungicides are discussed.     

Foliar Application of Benzothiadiazole and Salicylic Acid to Combat Sheath Blight Disease of Rice

A field study was undertaken to ascertain the effects of elicitors viz. benzothiadiazole (BTH) and salicylic acid (SA) on defense related enzymes viz. peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, superoxide dismutase, chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase, and phenols in rice (Pusa Basmati I) plants. First foliar spray of BTH (50 mg/kg) and SA (50 mg/kg) was done at the maximum tillering stage and inoculation with Rhizoctonia solani was carried 24 h after elicitor treatment. Elicitors were further sprayed at every growth stage. Time course analysis showed peak accumulation of defense related enzymes and phenols in the rice leaves treated with BTH and SA, and accumulation was the highest at the flowering stage. Higher enzymatic activity was observed in elicitor treated plants inoculated with R. solani. Compared to the untreated control plants, application of elicitors before R. solani inoculation significantly elicited the defense related enzymes and phenols. Moreover, application of elicitors had a positive effect on yield and disease reduction. It is suggested that pretreatment of rice leaves with BTH and SA could be used to enhance the level of protection against sheath blight and to improve rice yield in the fields.     

Crop loss of pepper plants artificially infected with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria in relation to symptom expression

Crop losses in peppers artificially infected with Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (XCV) were determined during 3 years of field experiments in three areas of Israel. Direct losses of 23–44% in fruit yield were recorded when severe leaf infection occurred or was induced at an early stage of plant growth. Yield losses and disease index were markedly lower in plants inoculated at later stages and near maturation. Indirect losses in severely infected fields were mainly due to shedding of leaves and exposure of fruits to sun. In this case, up to 95% of the fruits lost their commercial value. In artificially infected symptomless plants with massive endogenous populations of XCV in the leaves, a loss of 24% in yield was measured, compared with plants free from an endogenous pathogen population.     

Determinants of fenhexamid effectiveness against grey mould on grapevine: Respective role of spray timing,fungicide resistance and plant defences

Botrytis bunch rot of grapes is mainly controlled by applying fungicides at three crop growth stages: the end of flowering (BBCH 68), bunch closure (BBCH 77) and the beginning of veraison (BBCH 81). The hydroxyanilide derivative fenhexamid is among the most effective fungicides registered to control Botrytis cinerea. Its effectiveness was examined in relation to spray timing, fungicide resistance and defense responses of grapevine. Overall, the earlier fenhexamid was applied, the more effective it was at controlling B. cinerea. Frequencies of B. cinerea strains which were resistant to fungicides were evaluated at harvest. The frequencies of resistant phenotypes were similar among treatments and years with the exception of a class of multidrug resistant strain (MDR 2) whose frequency appeared to increase after fenhexamid applications. If current spray programs including fenhexamid appear to control bunch rot at the current MDR frequency, a propagation of MDR 2 strains might lead to a decline in disease control. Finally, defense responses were studied in grapevine flowers/berries following fenhexamid application. None of the defense processes tested was induced in flowers/berries at stages 68 and 77. Only an increase in chitinase activity was observed in treated-berries at stage 81, suggesting that fenhexamid effectiveness was not related to a stimulation of defense responses.     

Pseudomonas aeruginosa produces secondary metabolites that have biological activity against plant pathogenic Xanthomonas species

The bioactivity of compounds produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (LN strain), against three Xanthomonas species was investigated under greenhouse conditions and using electron microscopy. Chromatographic fractions EAP, VLC3, VLC4, VLC3d and VLC4f were tested against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum, X. axonopodis pv. phaseoli and X. axonopodis pv. citri by disc diffusion. Fractions with antibiotic activity were tested in vivo under greenhouse conditions and their bioactivity was evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that VLC4f affects biofilm formation while VLC4f and VLC3d both affect cell morphology. The semi-purified fractions controlled bacterial diseases caused by Xanthomonas spp. when sprayed on plants under greenhouse conditions. The VLC4f fraction showed superior results in disease management, reducing the number of lesions on cotton and orange leaves by 94%, and reducing disease severity in bean leaves by 73%. The data suggest that the fractions were effective and have potential as an alternative to conventional bactericides in the control of plant diseases caused by Xanthomonas sp under greenhouse conditions.     

Economics of foliar fungicides for hard red winter wheat in the USA southern Great Plains

Grain yields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the southern Great Plains are often reduced by the presence of foliar diseases. This study was conducted to determine whether the application of foliar fungicides is an economically optimal management strategy. The effects of fungicide treatment on commercially available hard red winter wheat varieties with differing levels of genetic resistance (i.e., resistant, intermediate, and susceptible) to foliar diseases were investigated at two locations, Apache and Lahoma, OK, USA, for the harvest years 2005–2012. Two fungicides were rotated between the two locations and applied at approximately Feekes growth stage 9–10.5. When averaged across years, plots to which fungicide was applied generated greater average net returns than plots that did not receive fungicide for susceptible varieties at Apache, and for resistant, intermediate, and susceptible varieties at Lahoma. However, foliar fungicide application was not economical in every year at either location suggesting fungicide use should be reassessed each year given that profitability depends on year specific yield potential, prices, and foliar disease conditions. At both locations high disease incidence occurred in all but one site-year when the average March through May relative humidity exceeded 65%. Additional research would be required to determine the relationship between weather, including relative humidity, and disease incidence, and to develop an economic threshold for treatment decision aid.     

Efficacy of paste and liquid fungicide formulations to protect pruning wounds against pathogens associated with grapevine trunk diseases in Chile

Trunk diseases are important on grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) in most countries where grapevines are grown. In Chile, Diplodia seriata, Inocutis sp. and Phaeomoniella (Pa.) chlamydospora are the most prevalent pathogens associated with this syndrome. It has been demonstrated that fresh pruning wounds are the main infection route for fungal trunk disease pathogens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of paste and spray fungicide applications in protecting pruning wounds against D. seriata, Inocutis sp. and Pa. chlamydospora on ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grapevines in two important Chilean grapevine production areas. The fungicides used in this study were benomyl, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, and thiophanate-methyl, which were applied as paste and liquid fungicide on fresh pruning wounds pre- and post-inoculation with mycelium plugs of the different fungal pathogens used in this study. The efficacy of the fungicides was assessed by measuring the length of the discoloration of the vascular system and percent re-isolation obtained on fresh pruning wounds. The results obtained demonstrate that infections caused by D. seriata, Inocutis sp. and Pa. chlamydospora can be significantly reduced using both paste and spray applications of benomyl, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole and thiophanate-methyl and that the paste formulations provided a better control than spray applications. Regardless of the fungicide and application method used, the pre-inoculation treatments (performed 24 h before inoculation) resulted in better control than the 24 h post-inoculation treatments. The current study showed that Inocutis sp. can induce vascular discoloration on grapevine spurs. This study supports a broader use of benzimidazole fungicides for the control of the devastating trunk diseases in all grape productions worldwide.     

Evaluation of spray programmes for the management of leaf spot incited by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on tomato cv. Cuore di bue

Four experimental trials were carried out in northern Italy under greenhouse conditions against bacterial leaf spot of tomato, incited by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae, a disease recently observed in the country. The efficacy of spray programmes, based on the use of several copper-based compounds, acibenzolar-S-methyl, fosetyl Al and two biological control agents, Bacillus subtilis strain QST 713 and Pseudomonas chlororaphis MA 342, was tested. The best results were obtained with the alternation of copper oxychloride, used alone or in mixture with acibenzolar-S-methyl, with acibenzolar-S-methyl, applied for a total of two sprays. Acibenzolar-S-methyl applied alone was also effective. However, due to its possible slight phytotoxic effect, observed in our case in one trial, strategies relying on a limited number of its application are preferred. The efficacy of acibenzolar-S-methyl is higher under lower inoculum conditions. Among the tested copper-based fungicides, copper oxychloride provided the best and most consistent results, with no or limited phytotoxicity. Other copper compounds were much less effective and sometimes caused a reduction in plant height. The disease suppression achieved with B. subtilis strain QST 713 was only partial, while P. chlororaphis was not effective. The advantages of programmes based on rotation of copper compounds and acibenzolar-S-methyl are discussed.     

Ion chromatography analysis of phosphite uptake and translocation by potato plants: Dose-dependent uptake and inhibition of Phytophthora infestans development

Phosphite-based fungicides are increasingly used to control fungi-like plant pathogens from the Oomycetes group. A rapid, precise, and cost-effective suppressed conductivity high performance ion chromatography (HPIC) method was developed to assess the concentrations of soluble phosphites (Phi) and phosphates (Pi) in plant samples. This technique was used to determine the amount of Phi and Pi in leaves and tubers of potato plants following foliar applications of the Phi-based fungicide Confine™. High amounts of Phi were determined in both leaves and tubers indicating that potato plants efficiently uptake and translocate the fungicide. The number of applications of Confine™ and its concentration were found to be directly proportional with the amount of Phi detected in potato plants and inversely proportional with the development of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in these plants. Levels of Phi comparable to those determined in plants were found to strongly inhibit the growth of P. infestans in vitro. The simultaneous estimation of the in planta Phi concentration and of the sensitivity of P. infestans to Phi represent the most comprehensive approach of assessing the efficacy of Phi-based fungicides in controlling late blight development in potatoes.     

Penthiopyrad applied in close proximity to Rhizoctonia solani provided effective disease control in sugar beet

Rhizoctonia solani Kühn is an important pathogen of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) that can cause damping-off and crown and root rot. Commercial cultivars which are highly resistant to the pathogen are not as high yielding as susceptible cultivars under low or absent disease pressure. These resistant cultivars often do not have resistance to other common pathogens such as Aphanomyces cochlioides, Cercospora beticola, and Fusarium oxysporum. Fungicides, such as azoxystrobin which belongs to the quinone outside inhibitors (QoI) class, are necessary for controlling Rhizoctonia solani, but there are concerns about the buildup of fungicide-resistant strains in the targeted pathogen population. There is a need to find effective fungicides from different chemical groups so they can be rotated with the current widely-used azoxystrobin to manage R. solani. The objective of this greenhouse study was to evaluate the efficacy of penthiopyrad, a succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), in managing R. solani on sugar beet using three different application methodologies. Penthiopyrad effectively controlled R. solani on sugar beet when applied at 210, 280, 420, or 550 g a.i./ha in-furrow at planting and as a soil drench at the 4-leaf stage. However, foliar application of penthiopyrad failed to provide disease control. These trials indicated that penthiopyrad needs to be in close proximity or direct contact with R. solani in the soil to provide effective control. Penthiopyrad has the potential to be used as an effective alternate partner with azoxystrobin for controlling R. solani and to help in mitigating the development of fungicide resistant isolates of R. solani.     

Non-chemical agents provide tenable,eco-friendly alternatives for the management of the major diseases devastating Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) in India

India is a leading producer of oilseed Brassicas, contributing approximately 23 percent of the country's total oilseed production. In India, the Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] crop is ravaged by various diseases, including Alternaria blight, white rust, downy mildew, Sclerotinia rot and powdery mildew, which can contribute to fluctuations in crop yields. A field experiment examining an integrated disease management system for Indian mustard (B. juncea) was conducted under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rapeseed-Mustard (Indian Council of Agricultural Research or ICAR) during three crop seasons (2006–09) at 11 locations to assess treatments suitable for the management of crop disease. The data from the different locations and years regarding disease severity and incidence were pooled and analyzed. Seed treatments with freshly prepared Allium sativum bulb aqueous extract (1 percent w/v) resulted in significantly higher initial plant stands, across locations and years. Seed treatment with A. sativum bulb extract, followed by its use as a foliar spray, resulted in significantly reduced Alternaria leaf and pod blight severity, reduced white rust severity, fewer stag heads per plot, reduced downy mildew and Sclerotinia rot incidence, and reduced powdery mildew severity, across locations and years. The combination also provided significantly higher seed yields compared with the control across locations and years and was at par with treatment by chemical fungicides. The combination used in the present study was as effective as the combination of seed treatment with Trichoderma harzianum and foliar spraying with Pseudomonas fluorescens and T. harzianum. Economic returns were higher when using biorational treatments (A. sativum bulb extract, T. harzianum, P. fluorescens) compared with chemical fungicides. The combination of seed treatments with T. harzianum followed by its use as a foliar spray (17.22), and the similar combination of seed treatments and foliar spraying with the A. sativum bulb extract (17.18), resulted in a higher benefit to cost ratio. This eco-friendly technology can help oilseed Brassica growers in India safeguard the crops from major diseases and increase the stability and productivity of the Indian mustard crop.     

Use of Chaetomium globosum for biocontrol of potato late blight disease

The efficacy of Chaetomium globosum as a biocontrol agent against the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans was evaluated in potato plants. Among eight Chaetomium isolates evaluated C. globosum isolate Cg-6 showed greater inhibition to mycelial growth of P. infestans in vitro. TLC studies showed that isolate Cg-6 produced an antibiotic called ‘Chaetomin’. Isolate Cg-6 showed greater exo- and endo-glucanase enzyme activity when compared to other isolates. PCR amplification of the ITS region and sequencing of the PCR product confirmed that isolate Cg-6 belongs to the C. globosum group. C. globosum Cg-6 was formulated as a liquid and applied as a tuber, soil and foliar treatment either individually or in combination against Phytophthora infection in potato plants. Among different treatments, combined application of C. globosum as a tuber treatment @ 1 ml/kg of tubers, as a soil application @ 1 ml/kg of Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and foliar spray @ 0.7% resulted in significantly less late blight infection (72%) compared to untreated control (100%) under field conditions. The application of C. globosum resulted in greater tuber yield by reducing late blight infection in two field trials when compared to untreated controls. The study clearly demonstrated the potential use of C. globosum as a biocontrol agent in the management of late blight disease in potato plants.     

Root deterioration in the potato early dying syndrome: Causes and effects of root biomass reductions associated with colonization byVerticillium dahliae

Russet Burbank potatoes were grown in the greenhouse in a split-root culture system to assess the impact of pathogens associated with the Potato Early Dying Syndrome (PED) on root deterioration. Plants were grown with all, half, or none of the root system in steamed soil infested withVerticillium dahliae, or in field soil infested withV. dahliae and other PED pathogens. The direct impact of pathogens on root deterioration versus indirect effects resulting from premature senescence of the whole plant was evaluated. Root biomass did not differ significantly between root halves from the same plant in infested and uninfested soil. Root biomass from plants with both halves of the root system in uninfested soil was usually greater than from plants with one or both halves growing in infested soil. Root biomass decreased rapidly after plant stems were inoculated with conidial suspensions ofV. dahliae. Root deterioration in PED was associated with premature senescence of foliar tissue and occurred independently of root colonization by root-colonizing pathogens.     

Chemical control of root rot complex and stem rot of greenhouse cucumber in straw-bale culture

Experiments were conducted in three different commercial greenhouses wherein cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) cv. Kalunga F₁ (Long English type) were grown in composted straw bales, heavily infested with Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend.:Fr. f.sp. radicis-cucumerinum Vakalounakis (FORC), the causal agent of Fusarium root and stem rot of cucumber. FORC was isolated from roots and stem bases of symptomatic plants either in single infections or simultaneously with other root infecting pathogens, including species of Phytophthora and Pythium and Rhizoctonia solani Kühn AG-4. Verticillium dahliae Kleb. was obtained from individual cucumber plants showing wilt symptoms. Fungicide applications started at the beginning of fruiting time when the first symptomatic plants occurred and followed at 45-day intervals. Three fungicides, either alone or as tank-mixed combinations of 0.1% Topsin M 70WP (thiophanate-methyl 700 g kg⁻¹) plus 0.15% Previcur 607SL (607 g L⁻¹ propamocarb hydrochloride), or 0.1% Benomyl 50WP (benomyl 50 g kg⁻¹) plus 0.15% Previcur 607SL, were applied to the crown and root area of cucumber plants through drip irrigation systems as drenches at a rate of 0.25 L/plant. Plant mortality was reduced by 11.1%–84.8% and 23.8%–77.7% when plants were drenched with Topsin M 70WP in combination with Previcur 607SL or Benomyl 50WP plus Previcur 607SL, respectively. In comparison, significantly lower levels of disease control were achieved when these fungicides were applied individually. Three fungicide applications during the crop season increased the inhibitory effect of the fungicide regime on the disease incidence compared to one or two treatment.     

Superior bio-efficacy of a combined formulation of carbendazim and mancozeb in inducing defense responses in chilli seedlings against Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. in comparison with methyl jasmonate

The objective of this work was to investigate the efficacy of a prepackaged combined formulation, Companion (carbendazim 12% + mancozeb 63% WP), sole application of carbendazim 50% WP, manozeb 75% WP and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), an inducer of systemic acquired resistance on disease severity and their role in post-infectional defense responses in chilli seedlings against Sclerotium rolfsii. Seeds were treated for 8 h with MeJA (2.5 mM and 5.0 mM) and each of fungicides (500 ppm), and were sown in pots containing soil and fungal inocula (95:5 w/w). At 15 days after sowing maximum defense against fungal infection was exhibited by Companion comparably followed by the sole application of carbendazim and mancozeb. MeJA reduced percent mortality of S. rolfsii-infected chilli seedlings significantly as compared to the inoculated control. Assessment of peroxidase (POX) and esterase (EST) at 15 days after sowing revealed the increased activity under inoculated condition. Highest POX activity in MeJA treatments (5 mM > 2.5 mM) was followed by the Companion treatment. Highest EST activity was registered in Companion treatment. The zymogram of POX isozymes showed over-expression of POX 2 and POX 4 isoforms, and induction of POX 1 isoform in inoculated treatments. On the other hand, that of EST isozymes showed induction of EST 1 isoform in Companion, carbendazim and MeJA treatments. All EST isoforms were over-expressed in Companion-treated seedlings. Both fungicides and MeJA showed significant effects on disease severity, induction of defense enzymes and isozyme pattern in S. rolfsii-infected chilli seedlings. Contact and systemic fungicides under the experiment demonstrated differential responses. The combination formulation was superior in disease control to application of the fungicide components individually. They compared favourably with MeJA in induction of defense-related enzyme activities. All these findings are new with respect to the chilli-S. rolfsii host–pathogen interaction system, S. rolfsii representing the sclerotial basidiomycetes in particular.