As shown in Table 1, both KA19 and SE were effective
(P 0.05) in reducing black rot lesions compared to the
untreated control in two independent trials involving either
a foliar spray or the combined seed soak and soil drench.
The combined (KA19 ? SE) treatment was comparatively
more effective than the single strains in the respective
application methods. The combined seed and soil application method was more effective than foliar spray in reducing the lesions when using either single or combined
strains. In the foliar spray application method, there was no
significant difference between KA19 and SE, when applied
alone. In summary, the combined strains (KA19 ? SE)
were significantly more effective (P 0.05) in controlling
black rot lesions when the mode of application was combined seed and soil drench.