Exploring core microbiome in direct seeded rice for the management of emerging bakanae disease
Bakanae disease, caused by Fusarium fujikuroi, poses a significant threat to basmati rice cultivation under transplanted and direct seeded rice (DSR) eco-systems. This work concerned the exploration of core microbiome in the rhizospheric soil of direct-seeded rice for the identification of potential biocontrol agents against the disease. Rhizospheric soil samples collected from the two different locations of Haryana (Safidon and Urlana Khurd) under DSR cultivation were processed for metagenome analysis using ITS and 16S sequencing. Genus like Aspergillus, Penicillium/Talaromyces, Trichoderma., Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas, Bacillus were prevalent genus in DSR. The results stress the importance of native rhizospheric microorganisms in controlling phytopathogens and highlight the significance of microbial diversity in sustainable disease management. Further, since DSR system is becoming popular in India utilization of identified microbes through field validation will offer futuristic and environment friendly bakanae management technology.