ISHS Acta Horticulturae 631: XXVI International Horticultural Congress: Issues and Advances in Transplant Production and Stand Establishment Research
APPLICATION FOR RHIZOBACTERIA IN TRANSPLANT PRODUCTION AND YIELD ENHANCEMENT |
| Authors: | J.W. Kloepper, M.S. Reddy, R. Rodríguez-Kabana, D.S. Kenney, N. Kokalis-Burelle, N. Martinez-Ochoa |
| Keywords: | PGPR, biological control, induced systemic resistance, bacterization, vegetables |
| Abstract:
PGPR (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria) are root-colonizing bacteria that benefit plants by increasing plant growth or reducing disease. Current applications of PGPR as biocontrol agents rely on mixtures of PGPR as components in integrated management systems in which reduced rates of agrochemicals and cultural control practices are used. The finding that some strains of PGPR can elicit systemic disease protection has renewed interest in PGPR for practical application in agriculture and horticulture. We report here results of attempts to combine PGPR with different modes of action with organic amendments. Our hypothesis was that such an integrated system could be used for transplanted vegetables to produce more vigorous transplants that would be tolerant of nematodes and other diseases for at least a few weeks after transplanting to the field. The specific combination that we tested consisted of Bacillus subtilis strain GB03, B. amyloliquefaciens strain IN937a, and B. subtilis strain IN937b together with chitosan. Strain GB03 produces antibiotics while IN937a and IN937b elicit induced systemic resistance. Chitosan was added to stimulate a microflora antagonistic to nematodes. Results demonstrated that the combination of two bacilli strains with chitosan resulted in significant growth promotion that was correlated with induced resistance in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), bell pepper (Capsicum annuum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The preparation has been commercialized by Gustafson, LLC under the name “BioYield” and is discussed as a model for extending PGPR technologies to growers. BioYield is incorporated into the potting mix used to prepare transplants. Treated transplants demonstrate increased shoot and root growth, enhanced stem diameter, less transplant shock, and rapid development of new roots. Disease protection is sometimes observed, but the most reproducible effect is growth promotion resulting in yield increases with many tested transplant systems. | |
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