ARS | Publication request: COMBINATIONS OF DRY ROT ANTAGONISTIC BACTERIA ENHANCE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL CONSISTENCY IN STORED POTATOES

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 29, 2001
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: Storage potato losses due to Fusarium dry rot incited by Gibberella pulicaris reach $100-$500 million/year. Thiabendazole (TBZ) is the only chemical fungicide registered for postharvest use on tubers for human consumption, but over 80% of G. pulicaris strains are resistant to TBZ. We are developing dry rot antagonistic bacteria as an alternative method of biocontrol. In past storage trials, top biocontrol performance has been achieved by different individual strains from trial to trial. Approaches to improving treatment consistency include the combination of top performing strains and combination of strains with TBZ. To test these strains, three strains were applied individually, in combinations, and with or without TBZ under circumstances (different potato cultivars, storage times, and storage season). Strain combinations exhibited better overall performance and greater consistency to individual strains. Application of TBZ by itself or with bacteria did not significantly reduce rot.