Weed Suppression by Deleterious Rhizobacteria Is Affected by Formulation and Soil Properties

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-20-2005

Keywords

Corn gluten, Natural plant products, Rhizobacteria, Seed germination, Semolina

Abstract

Deleterious rhizobacteria (DRB) suppress weed growth in field tests and are considered potential weed biological control agents. This study compared the relative inhibitory action of the DRB Pseudomonas fluorescens strain G2-11 in different formulations, corn gluten meal (CGM), and semolina flour, toward wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), green foxtail (Setaria viridis (L.) Beauv.), and velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medik) seeds and seedlings in soil assays. Strain G2-11 successfully established in semolina flour as an inoculum formulation but was incompatible with CGM presumably because of antibacterial factors present. The effect of DRB and plant products on seed germination and plant growth were influenced by soil, with the strongest effects seen in fine sandy loam. Semolina flour alone reduced root growth of all target plants except for velvetleaf in silt loam. Green foxtail seed germination was greatly reduced by strain G2-11. With the exception of wheat seedling growth, strain G2-11 enhanced growth-suppressive qualities of semolina flour. Results suggest that natural plant products such as CGM and semolina flour alone and formulated with selected DRB may be important components for weed management considerations in sustainable agriculture. Copyright © Taylor & Francis, Inc.

Journal Title

Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis

Volume

36

Issue

9-10

First Page

1289

Last Page

1299

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1081/CSS-200056933

First Department

Biology

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