Streptomyces spp. ANSP4 and ANSCa22 isolated earlier from rhizospheric soil of Akola district of Maharashtra were studied for their biocontrol potential against Rhizoctonia bataticola isolates from the same region. Both Streptomyces strains ANSP4 and ANSCa22 revealed growth inhibition of Rhizoctonia bataticola isolates R1 and R2 by dual culture method. Efficacy of independent applications of these strains on seedlings vigor index (SVI) of R1 inoculated Soybean seeds were tested by paper towel method. R1 inoculation of healthy soybean seeds resulted in drastic reduction in SVI from to . Independent treatments of R1 inoculated seeds with Streptomyces sp. ANSP4 and Streptomyces sp. ANSCa22 resulted in increase in SVI up to and respectively. This increase in SVI was significantly greater as compared to the treatment with Carbendazim. Treatments of both these cultures had enhancing effects on growth characteristics and germination percentage of soybean seeds as compared to control .Increase was recorded in average root length and shoot length .Roots developed after biological treatments were healthier than the roots developed after chemical treatment and control. | Two streptomyces spp. as Rhizoctonia bataticola antagonists and seedling growth promoters for soybean (Glycin max (L.) merill)
