The potential biocontrol agent Pseudomonas antimicrobica inhibits germination of conidia and outgrowth of Botrytis cinerea.
OBJECTIVE
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.


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.


CONCLUSIONS
The antagonistic activity of the bacterium has promising implications for its use as a biocontrol agent.
Walker
R
R
Department of Agriculture & Forestry, University of Aberdeen, UK. richard.walker@bbsrc.ac.uk
Innes
C M
CM
Allan
E J
EJ
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D001681:Biological Assay; D020171:Botrytis / Q000502:physiology*; D003470:Culture Media; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011549:Pseudomonas / Q000502:physiology*; D013997:Time Factors
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D003470:Culture Media