Enzymatic Activity and Efficacy of Plant Growth Promoting Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on Feeding Behaviour of Spodoptera frugiperda on Maize

Maize is a third important cereal crop which has been heavily infested with the invasive pest Spodoptera frugiperda. An alternate biological mode of control is necessary instead of seeking inorganic chemical control. Plant endophytes could be of great option for controlling plant pathogens and pest. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the potential of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens isolated from maize (COH6) leaf apoplastic fluid. This bacterium was found to have plant growth promoting traits like indole acetic acid, siderophore, ammonia and hydrogen cyanide production. In addition, it was found to produce hydrolytic enzymes such as protease, pectinase, chitinase, and lipase which imply its bioprotective potential. Further foliar spray of B. amyloliquefaciens with cell concentration of 108 CFU ml-1 on 4 days old maize seed germination @ 5 ml per plant showed greater colonization percentage (8.30×108 CFU g-1 fresh leaf) over other doses (1, 2, 3 & 4 ml plant-1). The highest feeding deterrence was observed when Spodoptera frugiperda fed on leaves inoculated with 5 ml of B. amyloliquefaciens.