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Rapid Bioassay for Inhibitory Rhizobacteria Using Digital Image Analysis
Author(s) -
Doty J. A.,
Kennedy A. C.,
Pan W. L.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
soil science society of america journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.836
H-Index - 168
eISSN - 1435-0661
pISSN - 0361-5995
DOI - 10.2136/sssaj1994.03615995005800060017x
Subject(s) - rhizobacteria , bioassay , petri dish , digital image analysis , digital image , agar , seedling , rhizosphere , horticulture , biology , biological system , chromatography , image processing , image (mathematics) , chemistry , bacteria , artificial intelligence , computer science , computer vision , microbiology and biotechnology , ecology , genetics
Current methods for assaying the potential effects of rhizobacteria on plant growth are tedious and time consuming. A rapid, automated bioassay has been developed using a flatbed scanner and digital image analysis. Comparisons were made between manual measurements of root length and computed values based on an edge discrimination image analysis procedure. The assay consisted of bacterial cultures of filtrates added to 18 mL of 0.9% agar in square petri plates. Seeds were planted along a marked axis and incubated for 4 d at 15°C, and then the roots were measured. Total root length measurements for the two methods, manual and image analysis, were well correlated ( r 2 = 0.94), and both were equally able to identify bacteria inhibitory to plant growth. Root measurements by the scan method were five times faster than the manual method. Each sample required 53 s to read with the scan method vs. 250 s with the manual method. The scan method provides a quick and accurate method for screening inhibitory activity of rhizobacteria based on seedling root length and has potential in the screening of toxic substances of other origin.