Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: Cell and Molecular Biology
Session: 1
Room: Exhibit Hall A
Shontiara Johnson - University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Co-Author(s): Madison Haggerty, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH 44691; Cecilia Chagas de Freitas, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH 44691 ;Christopher G. Taylor, The Ohio State University, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, OH 44691;
Grey mold caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea is one of the most important diseases preharvest and postharvest on greenhouse-grown tomatoes. Fungal diseases can be managed with the use of chemical fungicides, however, the number of fungicides available for use in greenhouse production systems are limited. Moreover, growers are looking for environmentally friendly methods to manage diseases. Biological control is being pursued as an alternative to manage diseases under greenhouse conditions. In this study, we investigate the use of bacteria belonging to the genus Pseudomonas as a possible biological control agent against B. cinerea. A collection containing 52 Pseudomonas strains was screened against B. cinerea in vitro. Plates with the fungus and each bacterium were grown for a week, and the area of B. cinerea growth was measured. From the 52 strains tested in vitro, 34 strains significantly reduced the growth of B. cinerea compared to the control. Strains with low (89F1), medium (94G2, 48C10, 15H3) and high activity (1B1, 93G8 and 14B11) were selected to test biological activity against B. cinerea on grape tomatoes. The Pseudomonas strains and the fungus were inoculated in a wound on the tomato and the disease incidence was accessed after a week. On tomatoes, three strains (1B1, 15H3 and 48C10) were able to significantly reduce disease incidence compared to the control. Our results suggest that certain Pseudomonas have the ability to reduce grey mold on tomato fruits and can be explored as an alternative for B. cinerea management to help growers in the future.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): The Summer Research Opportunities Program (The Ohio State University)
Faculty Advisor: Christopher G. Taylor, taylor.1886@osu.edu
Role: I did all parts of the research. I grew the bacteria, prepared the tomatoes, inoculated the tomatoes, and recorded the incidence.