Effects of Solid and Liquid Vermicompost Application on Bean Growth and Common Bacterial Blight Disease in Different Growth Medium

In this study, the effect of solid and liquid forms of vermicompost on plant growth and bacterial common blight disease in different growth media were investigated. Vermicompost was applied at the rate of 1/100, 1/150, 1/200 in liquid form and vermicompost in solid form at the rate of 10%, 20%, 40% to peat and soil growing medium. The pathogen, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap), was applied to the leaves by spraying at a concentration of 107 CFU mL-1. The effects of applications on plant growth parameters, total chlorophyll content, and disease severity were evaluated. It was determined that the effects of the applications varied according to vermicompost form and growth medium. Liquid vermicompost applications displayed more positive effects on root growth in the soil growing medium. However, the application of liquid vermicompost did not affect disease severity. It was observed that the 40% dose of vermicompost in solid form inhibited plant growth and caused chlorosis in both growth media. However, 10 and 20% of doses had no adverse effects on plant growth. Also, the application of 10% solid vermicompost to peat growing medium reduced the disease development by 48%. In soil growth medium, application doses of 10% and 20% prevented disease development by 62% and 54%.