Use of novel strains for biological control of pink rot infections in potato tubers
Inventors
Schisler, David A. • Slininger, Patricia J. • Adiyaman, Tugba
Assignees
US Department of Agriculture USDA
Publication Number
US-8623390-B2
Publication Date
2014-01-07
Expiration Date
2030-09-24
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Abstract
Six bacterial strains: Bacillus simplex strain 03WN13, Bacillus simplex strain 03WN23, Bacillus simplex strain 03WN25, Pseudomonas koreensis strain 10IL21, Pantoea agglomerans strain 10IL31, and Pseudomonas lini strain 13IL01, are superior antagonists of Phytophthora erythroseptica Pethybr., the causative agent of pink rot on potatoes. These bacterial strains are effective for suppression and control of pink rot on potatoes.
Core Innovation
The invention provides six bacterial strains identified as superior antagonists of Phytophthora erythroseptica Pethybr., the causative agent of pink rot on potatoes. These strains include Bacillus simplex strains 03WN13, 03WN23, 03WN25, Pseudomonas koreensis strain 10IL21, Pantoea agglomerans strain 10IL31, and Pseudomonas lini strain 13IL01. They are effective for suppression and control of pink rot on potatoes in both field and storage conditions.
The background problem addressed is the significant losses in potato tuber quality and quantity caused by pink rot, especially during storage, where the pathogen Phytophthora erythroseptica invades tubers through wounds, lenticels, or stolons. Current chemical controls, such as mefenoxam-based fungicides, are often ineffective due to widespread pathogen resistance. There is a pressing need for additional management methods that reduce chemical pesticide use and effectively control pink rot infections, particularly postharvest.
The invention solves this problem by isolating and identifying bacterial strains from suppressive soils that exhibit inhibition of fungal-induced pink rot disease at statistically significant levels compared to untreated controls. These strains demonstrate favorable growth characteristics in commercially feasible liquid culture media, indicating their potential for practical and scalable biological control of pink rot in potatoes.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim directed to biologically pure cultures of specific bacterial strains and one independent claim directed to methods of suppressing pink rot using these strains. The main inventive features relate to the species and specific strains of bacteria and their application for pink rot control.
Biologically pure cultures of specific bacterial strains effective against pink rot
Cultures of Bacillus simplex strains 03WN13, 03WN23, 03WN25, Pseudomonas koreensis strain 10IL21, Pantoea agglomerans strain 10IL31, and Pseudomonas lini strain 13IL01, each deposited under specific accession numbers, that are effective for control of pink rot on potato tubers.
Method for suppressing pink rot infections on potatoes by applying bacterial antagonists
Application of a biologically pure culture of at least one of the identified bacterial antagonists to potato tubers, tuber parts, or seed tubers in an amount effective to reduce pink rot disease caused by Phytophthora erythroseptica compared to an untreated control. Application may be during storage or in the field locus of the tubers.
The claims cover specific bacterial strains identified for their antagonistic activity against pink rot and methods of their application to potatoes to effectively suppress pink rot infection under various conditions.
Stated Advantages
The bacterial strains provide effective suppression and control of pink rot on potatoes.
The strains demonstrate favorable growth kinetics in liquid culture, indicating potential for commercially feasible production.
Use of these bacterial antagonists offers a biological alternative to chemical fungicides, addressing issues of chemical resistance and reducing pesticide residues.
Documented Applications
Suppression and control of pink rot disease on potatoes during field cultivation by application to seed tubers or soil around the tubers.
Suppression and control of pink rot on harvested potato tubers during postharvest storage by application as aqueous sprays, dips, or formulated products.
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