The scope of the project was to develop a method to induce soil microbes to inhibit fungal infection and improve root elongation. The study was randomized. Gladiolus bulbs selected for the study were visibly inspected to for viability and visible signs of infection. Two trials were conducted from Aug. 5th – Sept. 5th 2014 with 4 replicates per condition over a 7-d period in damp outdoor conditions in late summer. A mixed culture of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) were collected from soil surrounding the roots of young fruit bearing trees. Microbes were mixed with minimal media (no-carbon source), and cultured with an ethylene and used as potting soil. Bulbs planted in ethylene induced soil displayed 0% visible fungal growth, while 38% of bulbs grown in control conditions displayed some form of fungal growth and/or infection. Ethylene induced soil increased root length by 225% in bulbs in 7-d period. GC Mass Spectrophotometry data suggest ethylene may induce soil microbes to synthesize several VOCs including (ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, pentanol) and esters (ethyl acetate), that may have synergistic benefits to lower the risk of fungal infection by soil mold, while nitrile compounds improve root elongation. The findings are preliminary, additional studies are required to understand the mechanism.
The scope of the project was to identify the possible agricultural applications for bacteria induced to synthesize nitriles and VOCs. The study was randomized. Cucurbit seeds and Bacillus licheniformis were selected as the plant and microbial models for two trial studies. In trial 1, 90 cucumber seeds were cultured with B.licheniformis induced to synthesize VOCs (including ethanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol, pentanol), esters (ethyl acetate), and acetonitriles. After 2 weeks the induced bacteria increased seed germination by 68% compared to control samples. Several seedlings were transferred to a small garden, infested with soil nematodes. Roots of control and induced samples appeared affected. Control samples appeared stunted in growth with decreased productivity, but cucumber plants initially planted with induced bacteria were noticeably larger in size with good productivity. Induced Bacillus increased the number of blossoms and cucumber per plant by 125% compared to control samples. Induced Bacillus did not increase solubility of nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium in the soil, but appeared to increase plant health and defenses against pathogenic infections. Though the study findings are preliminary, soil microbes induced to synthesize VOCs and nitriles may improve plant health and productivity in cucurbit plants.
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