Experience with immunizing commensals

Abstract

The use of microorganisms as immunizing commensals to control plant diseases has been tested over the past ten years in conifer timber, forest trees (evergreen and deciduous; seeds, seedlings and mature trees), fruit trees, indoor vegetable crops, grapes and field crops. These tests resulted in the experimental production of spray concentrate, seed coating and pellets. In England mainly Peniophora gigantea has been used commercially for several years. In Canada, application has been made to register Scytalidium lignicola ATCC 16,675. In France, Trichoderma ATCC 20,475 and 20,476 propagules under the name of BINAB T SEPPIC are expected to be approved for registration by the end of 1976 for the treatment of fruit trees against Stereum purpureum (silver leaf disease) and in mushroom growing against Verticillium fungicola (dry bubble disease). Other uses for mycofungicides are under study.

The Use of Trichoderma koningii in the Control of Web Blight Disease Caused by Rhizoctonia solani in the Foliage of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)

“…Nevertheless, the results of the current study demonstrate the potential usefulness of spray application of T. koningii spores in the protection of field-sown cowpea plants against web blight, a disease of the phylloplane. The results also suggest an eradicant role for T. koningii against Rhizoctonia solani thus recommending this antagonist as an immunizing commensal {sensu RICARD 1977).…”