New Zealand Plant Protection 59 (2006): 80-85
Seed coating with biocontrol strain Pseudomonas fluorescens F113
M. O'Callaghan, J. Swaminathan, J. Lottmann, D.A. Wright and T.A. Jackson
ABSTRACT
Pseudomonas fluorescens strain F113, which has biocontrol capacity against the plant pathogenic fungus Pythium ultimum, was formulated and applied to onion seed using patented biopolymer technology developed at AgResearch, Lincoln. Initial loadings on seeds ranged between 8.6 x 106–1.1 x 107 bacteria/seed. In a preliminary screening of four different formulations, shelf life studies indicated that most formulations maintained high cell numbers on seed stored at 4°C for up to 70 days. Bacterial numbers declined on seed stored at 20°C, but significant numbers of bacteria remained viable after 70 days storage. In a second experiment, the two formulations giving best shelf-life at 20°C were monitored for stability at 20°C for 4 weeks. Packaging material had a significant effect on bacterial survival on seed. Germination of freshly treated seeds was not affected by seed treatment. The study has demonstrated the potential to treat seed with fluorescent pseudomonads with biocontrol capability.
Keywords: biological control, seed treatment, seed germination, shelflife, formulation.
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© 2007 New Zealand Plant Protection Society (Inc.)