Biological Fertilizer Containing Bacillus Subtilis By-2 For Control Of Sclerotinia Sclerotiorum On Oilseed Rape

Availability of several application methods that are consistent with the cropping system may enhance adoption of biological control strategies for control of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on oilseed rape. Oilseed rape seed cake applied just prior to sowing has been used in China as a biological fertilizer to improve soil fertility. We field-tested Bacillus subtilis BY-2 incorporated in this biological fertilizer for control of Sclerotinia disease over 2 years at three locations. Sclerotinia disease on oilseed rape was significantly lower with the biological fertilizer + BY-2 treatment than with the non-treated and the autoclaved biological fertilizer + no live BY-2 control treatments at all three locations. Oilseed rape seed yield was similar for all treatments at all locations. Results presented here indicate that application of biological fertilizer containing Bacillus isolates is a promising additional method for reduction of Sclerotinia disease.