Exopolysaccharides from Lactobacillus plantarum induce biochemical and physiological alterations in tomato plant against bacterial spot.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Lactobacillus plantarum in controlling bacterial spot and eliciting defense mechanisms, and verify alterations in the tomato plant physiological responses. Tomato plants with five definitive leaves were sprayed with EPS, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM, positive control), or distilled water (negative control) and inoculated with Xanthomonas gardneri after 3 days. Local and systemic protection was evaluated 7, 15, and 21 days after inoculation.