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The potential biocontrol agent Pseudomonas antimicrobica inhibits germination of conidia and outgrowth of Botrytis cinerea
Author(s) -
Trent Walker,
Roger W. Innes,
; Allan
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
letters in applied microbiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.698
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1472-765X
pISSN - 0266-8254
DOI - 10.1046/j.1472-765x.2001.00915.x
Subject(s) - botrytis cinerea , germination , germ tube , conidium , biology , botrytis , pseudomonas , bacteria , microbiology and biotechnology , fungicide , botany , spore germination , horticulture , genetics
Aims: Antifungal metabolites of Pseudomonas antimicrobica have previously been shown to inhibit conidial germination of the grey mould pathogen Botrytis cinerea . In this study, metabolites of the bacterium have been tested at different stages of Botrytis germination to determine their effects on germ tube production and extension. Methods and Results: Metabolites were added to conidia that had been pre‐incubated for either 120 or 255 min. Pseudomonas antimicrobica inhibited B . cinerea conidial germination and caused a significant reduction in germ tube extension, irrespective of the stage of germination. Abnormal germination and a reduction in the frequency of lateral branching of the germ tubes in the presence of the metabolites were also reported, suggesting interference with normal hyphal development. Conclusions: The bacterium can inhibit germination of conidia and extension of germ tubes at different stages of Botrytis development. Significance and Impact of the Study: The antagonistic activity of the bacterium has promising implications for its use as a biocontrol agent.