Compositions and methods comprising endophytic bacterium for application to grasses to increase plant growth, suppress soil borne fungal diseases, and reduce vigor of weedy competitors
Inventors
White, Jr., James F. • Kowalski, Kurt P. • Kingsley, Kathryn
Assignees
United States Geological Survey • Rutgers State University of New Jersey
Publication Number
US-10721936-B2
Publication Date
2020-07-28
Expiration Date
2036-07-21
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Abstract
Endophytic bacteria, compositions comprising the same, and methods of use thereof are disclosed which increase the root and shoot growth of grass hosts, suppress growth of soil borne fungal pathogens of host plants, increase resistance of the grass to diseases and reduce competitiveness of distantly related competitor weeds of the crop.
Core Innovation
The invention provides novel strains of endophytic bacteria isolated from seeds of the invasive grass Phragmites australis, which when heterologously applied to grass hosts, promote root and shoot growth, suppress soil borne fungal pathogens, enhance disease resistance, and reduce the competitiveness of distantly related weed species. The bacteria include biologically pure strains of Pseudomonas spp., Microbacterium spp., and Enterobacter spp., identified by specific 16S rDNA sequences or sequence identity to those sequences.
The endophytes colonize meristematic root cells and induce reactive oxygen production within host plants, which likely improves oxidative stress resistance and plant vigor. They also inhibit fungal pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum and Sclerotinia homeocarpa and reduce weed seedling growth and survival, as demonstrated with species like dandelion and curly dock. The compositions may be applied as seed coatings, synthetic seed balls, liquid sprays, or incorporated into fertilizer formulations, enabling enhanced growth and reduced reliance on agrochemicals for turf, forage, and food grass crops.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims define synthetic combinations comprising seed-associated endophytic bacteria and methods of using these combinations to enhance growth traits and reduce weeds in grasses.
Synthetic combination of seed bacterial endophytes with specified strains and effective concentration
A combination comprising at least one purified seed bacterial endophyte strain, for example SY1 deposited as NRRL-B67481, heterologously disposed on turf or forage grass seed surface, present at a concentration of at least 103 CFU/seed, effectively increasing root and shoot growth, salt stress resistance, fungal resistance, and competitiveness against undesirable plant species in plants grown from the seed.
Physical formulation of bacterial endophyte combinations
The bacteria in the synthetic combination are lyophilized, encapsulated in alginate beads, or present in seed balls to facilitate application and stability.
Inclusion of specific strains in synthetic combinations targeting grasses
Synthetic combinations may include strains such as Sandy LB4, Microbacterium oxydans B2, Sandy LB6, West 9, WY14 and others, in association with rice or turf and forage grass seeds from genera including Agrostis, Poa, Festuca, Lolium, Cynodon, Zoysia, Koleria, and Danthonia.
Method of reducing undesirable weed growth through soil treatment
Application of one or more biologically pure Pseudomonas spp. endophyte strains, including SY1, to soil supporting turf and forage grasses, reducing weed growth relative to untreated soil, optionally including other strains such as Sandy LB4, Microbacterium oxydans B2, WY6, and WY14, which are lyophilized.
Method of increasing grass plant growth and disease resistance by inoculation
Inoculating a grass plant or seed with the synthetic bacterial combination to effect one or more enhancements including root and shoot growth promotion, resistance to salt stress, fungal disease resistance, and competition suppression against undesirable plants, with the synthetic combination applied in various formulations such as seed balls, sprays, or controlled release fertilizers.
The independent claims cover combinations of specific seed-origin bacterial endophytes formulated for application on grass seeds or soil, which provide multiple plant growth and protection benefits, and methods of applying these combinations to increase growth, stress resistance, disease suppression, and weed control in turf, forage, and food grasses.
Stated Advantages
Increase in root and shoot growth of host grass plants.
Suppression of soil borne fungal pathogens and damping off diseases.
Enhanced resistance of grass to diseases and salt stress.
Reduction of competitiveness and increased mortality of distantly related weed species.
Potential reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers, fungicides, and herbicides leading to cost savings and reduced environmental contamination.
Documented Applications
Application as seed coatings, seed balls, or liquid sprays to turf and forage grasses including Agrostis, Poa, Festuca, Lolium, Cynodon, Zoysia, Koleria, and Danthonia.
Use with food grass crops such as rice (Oryza sativa), wheat (Triticum aestivum), and maize (Zea maydis).
Application in controlled release fertilizer formulations to enhance plant growth and disease resistance.
Soil drenching or treatment to suppress undesirable weed growth in soils supporting turf and forage grasses.
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