Effect of seed treatment of Arachis hypogaea with Bacillus subtilis on nodulation in biocontrol of southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) disease

The employment of formulated Bacillus subtilis for peanut seeds (Arachis hypogaea cv. `Shulamit') counteracted the destructive effects of the seedborne pathogen Sclerotium (Athelia) rolfsii on the nodulation, leghemoglobin and nitrogenase activity of peanuts. Moreover, the changes in crop vigor index, total nitrogen content and survivability of both Rhizobium spp. and B. subtilis have been related to compatibility and even an occasional synergism between them.