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

Aims: 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.

Methods And 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.

Conclusion: The bacterium can inhibit germination of conidia and extension of germ tubes at different stages of Botrytis development.

Significance And Impact Of The Study: The antagonistic activity of the bacterium has promising implications for its use as a biocontrol agent.