U.S. patent application number 15/234054 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for increasing plant yield with bacterial/fungal combinations.
This patent application is currently assigned to NOVOZYMES BIOAG A/S. The applicant listed for this patent is NOVOZYMES BIOAG A/S. Invention is credited to Thomas D. Johnson.
Application Number | 20160345588 15/234054 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33161711 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160345588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Thomas D. |
December 1, 2016 |
Increasing Plant Yield with Bacterial/Fungal Combinations
Abstract
A seed treated with a fungal/bacterial antagonist combination
and a seed assembly comprising a seed and a fungal/bacterial
antagonist combination. The fungal/bacterial antagonist combination
comprises a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist for controlling plant
pathogens as a biocontrol agent, bio-pesticide or bio-fungicide. In
preferred embodiments, the invention produces an increase in plant
yield. Control of early and late season stalk and root rot caused
by fungi such as Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium
in tomatoes, peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and
corn is achieved.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Thomas D.;
(Buffalo, SD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOVOZYMES BIOAG A/S |
Bagsvaerd |
|
DK |
|
|
Assignee: |
NOVOZYMES BIOAG A/S
Bagsvaerd
DK
|
Family ID: |
33161711 |
Appl. No.: |
15/234054 |
Filed: |
August 11, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
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Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14696628 |
Apr 27, 2015 |
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15234054 |
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14483864 |
Sep 11, 2014 |
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14696628 |
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14035397 |
Sep 24, 2013 |
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14483864 |
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13385636 |
Feb 28, 2012 |
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14035397 |
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12228696 |
Aug 16, 2008 |
8148138 |
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13385636 |
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10940036 |
Sep 13, 2004 |
7429477 |
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12228696 |
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10067185 |
Feb 1, 2002 |
6808917 |
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10940036 |
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60265998 |
Feb 2, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 63/30 20200101;
A01N 63/30 20200101; A01C 1/06 20130101; A01N 63/00 20130101; A01N
63/10 20200101; A01N 63/30 20200101; A01N 63/30 20200101; A01N
63/30 20200101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N
63/00 20130101; A01N 63/00 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01N 63/04 20060101
A01N063/04; A01N 63/00 20060101 A01N063/00 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] The U.S. Government has a paid-up license in this invention
and the right in limited circumstances to require the patent owner
to license others on reasonable terms as provided for by the terms
of Grant No. DMI-9901629 awarded by the National Science
Foundation.
Claims
1. A seed assembly made by combining a plant seed with a
spore-forming Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist and a
spore-forming Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist to produce a
combination; wherein the spore-forming Trichoderma virens fungal
antagonist does not produce a substance that inhibits the growth of
the spore-forming Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist
and the spore-forming Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial
antagonist does not produce a substance that inhibits the growth of
the spore-forming Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist; and wherein
said spore forming antagonists are applied to said plant seed at a
rate of no less than about 10,000 spore counts per plant seed;
wherein said combination suppresses growth of pathogenic plant
fungi; and wherein the composition is effective at increasing the
manganese content of a plant grown from the plant seed.
2. A seed assembly made by combining a plant seed with a
Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist to produce a combination;
wherein said combination suppresses growth of pathogenic plant
fungi.
3. The seed assembly of claim 2 wherein the seed is a seed of a
plant selected from the group consisting of: a monocot, and a
dicot.
4. The seed assembly of claim 2 wherein the seed is a seed of a
plant selected from the group consisting of: a legume plant, and a
non-legume plant.
5. The seed assembly of claim 2 wherein the seed is a seed of a
plant selected from the group consisting of: corn, sunflower,
soybean, field pea, and wheat.
6. A composition for application to a seed, said composition being
made by combining: a spore-forming fungal isolate of Trichoderma
virens; and a spore-forming bacterial strain of Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens; wherein the spore-forming fungal isolate is
incapable of producing a substance that substantially inhibits the
growth of the spore-forming bacterial strain and the spore-forming
bacterial strain is incapable of producing a substance that
substantially inhibits the growth of the spore-forming fungal
isolate; and wherein the composition is effective at increasing the
yield of a plant grown from the seed to which the composition has
been applied.
7. The composition of claim 6 wherein the composition is effective
at increasing the manganese content of the plant.
8. A seed assembly made by combining a plant seed with a
spore-forming bacterial antagonist and a spore-forming fungal
antagonist to produce a combination; wherein the spore-forming
fungal antagonist does not produce a substance that inhibits the
growth of the spore-forming bacterial antagonist and the
spore-forming bacterial antagonist does not produce a substance
that inhibits the growth of the spore-forming fungal antagonist;
and wherein said combination suppresses growth of pathogenic plant
fungi.
9. The seed assembly of claim 8 wherein the seed is a seed of a
plant selected from the group consisting of: a monocot, and a
dicot.
10. The seed assembly of claim 8 wherein the seed is a seed of a
plant selected from the group consisting of: a legume plant, and a
non-legume plant.
11. The seed assembly of claim 8 wherein the seed is a seed of a
plant selected from the group consisting of: corn, sunflower,
soybean, field pea, and wheat.
12. A seed assembly made by combining a plant seed with a
spore-forming bacterial antagonist and a spore-forming fungal
antagonist to produce a combination: wherein the spore-forming
fungal antagonist is free of a substance that inhibits the growth
of the spore-forming bacterial antagonist and the spore-forming
bacterial antagonist is free of produce a substance that inhibits
the growth of the spore-forming fungal antagonist; and wherein said
combination suppresses growth of pathogenic plant fungi.
13. The seed assembly of claim 12 wherein said spore forming
antagonists are applied to said plant seed at a rate of no less
than about 10,000 spore counts per plant seed.
14. The seed assembly of claim 12 wherein said spore forming
antagonists are applied to said plant seed at a rate of at least
100,000 spore counts per plant seed.
15. The seed assembly of claim 12 further comprising: a wettable
clay based powder, a dextrose granule or powders, a sucrose
granules or powder or a maltose-dextrose granule or powder.
16. The seed assembly of claim 12 further comprising: a carrier
that is non-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, and
non-bactericidal.
17. The seed assembly of claim 12 wherein said plant seed selected
from the group consisting of a corn seed, a sunflower seed, a
soybean seed, a field pea seed, a wheat seed, a cotton seed, a
barley seed, an oat seed, a millet seed, and an alfalfa seed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 10/940,036, filed Sep. 13, 2004, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/067,185, filed Feb. 1, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,808,917, which
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/265,998,
filed Feb. 2, 2001; the disclosures of which applications and
patent are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
The application also incorporates by reference the disclosure of
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2005-0096225 A1 as if
fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates to a seed treated with a
fungal/bacterial antagonist combination. In particular, the
invention relates to a seed assembly comprising a fungal/bacterial
antagonist combination for controlling plant pathogens.
[0004] Early and late season stalk and root rot are major causes of
crop loss. A variety of plants are affected, including tomatoes,
peppers, turf grass, soybeans, sunflower, wheat and corn. The
pathogens that cause these symptoms include fungi of the genera
Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and Penicillium.
[0005] One approach to solving the problem of early season damping
off of plants is treatment of seeds with fungicides, such as
captan, metalaxyl and Maxim. Although these chemicals enhance seed
germination and seedling stand by inhibiting the pathogenic ability
of Phythium spp. (active in cool, wet soils), they have no activity
against the pathogenic fungi that are responsible for late season
root and stalk rot.
[0006] Fusarium and Penicillium are the pathogens responsible for
late season root and stalk rot. These pathogens prefer the warm,
dry conditions that occur late in the growing season. There is no
chemical or biological fungicide available that addresses the
problem of late season root and stalk rot in corn. Currently, the
only way to deal with this problem is to periodically rotate to a
non-susceptible crop to reduce pathogen numbers. Corn growers can
also select hybrids that have better "standability," but such
hybrids usually have lower yields. Unfortunately, the corn
varieties with the highest yields are usually those most
susceptible to late season root and stalk rot.
[0007] Trichoderma is a genus of fungi that contains about 20
species. Synonyms for the genus name include Aleurisma and
Sporoderma. Trichoderma virens, which is also called Gliocladium
virens, is a member of the genus. The natural habitats of these
fungi include soil and plant material. A member of the genus,
Trichoderma harzianum KRL-AG2 (ATCC 20847) also known as strain
T-22, is used as a biocontrol agent that is applied as a seed or
soil treatment or on cuttings and transplants. Strains of the
species, Trichoderma virens, have also been used for control of
damping off diseases in plants. For example, Trichoderma
(Gliocladium) virens G1-21 is known and commercially available at a
reasonable price, and is being marketed under the trademark
SoilGuard.RTM. 12G (EPA Registration Number: 70051-3 and EPA
Establishment Number: 067250-IL-001). It is manufactured by Thermo
Trilogy Corporation of Columbia, Md. Other known and commercially
available Trichoderma virens strains include those having the
following ATCC accession numbers: 10043, 10044, 10045, 13213,
13362, 204067, 204443, 204444, 204445, 20903, 20904, 20906, 24290,
42955, 44327, 44734, 48179, 52045, 52199, 58676, 58677, 58678,
62399, 64271, 74180, 9645, MYA-297, MYA-298, MYA-649 and
MYA-650.
[0008] Bacillus is a genus of rod-shaped, gram-positive, aerobic or
(under some conditions) anaerobic bacteria. Bacillus species are
widely found in soil and water and some have been used to control
plant diseases, including root rot. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is a
spore-forming member of the genus. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens L.L.
Campbell strain F (ATCC 23350) is the type strain for the species.
Other known and commercially available Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
strains include those having the following ATCC accession numbers:
23842, 23843, 23844, 23845, 31592, 49763, 53495 and BAA-390 (Int.
J. Sys. Bacteriol. 37:69-71, 1987; J. Bacteriol. 94:1124-1130,
1967).
[0009] In the past, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was also called
Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens by some investigators. A
protease produced from Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens is
commonly used as a tenderized for raw meat products. According to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Bacillus subtilis
var. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24 is a naturally-occurring
microorganism and widespread in the environment. Bacillus subtilis
var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (EPA Registration Number: 72098-5 and
EPA Establishment Number: 73386-DEU-001) is known and commercially
available at a reasonable price, being marketed under the trademark
Taegro.RTM. by Earth Bioscience, Inc. of Fairfield, Conn.
[0010] Background art biocontrol products have comprised the
bacterium Burkholderia cepacia, which is also known as Pseudomonas
cepacia. This bacterium has been implicated as a human pathogen.
Furthermore, it has little or no shelf life unless refrigerated at
4 degrees Centigrade at a minimum of 20 percent moisture.
[0011] The background art is characterized by U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,476,881; 4,489,161; 4,642,131; 4,668,512; 4,678,669; 4,713,342;
4,724,147; 4,748,021; 4,818,530; 4,828,600; 4,877,738; 4,915,944;
4,952,229; 5,047,239; 5,049,379; 5,071,462; 5,068,105; 5,084,272;
5,194,258; 5,238,690; 5,260,213; 5,266,316; 5,273,749; 5,300,127;
5,344,647; 5,401,655; 5,422,107; 5,455,028; 5,409,509; 5,552,138;
5,589,381; 5,614,188; 5,628,144; 5,632,987; 5,645,831; 5,665,354;
5,667,779; 5,695,982; 5,702,701; 5,753,222; 5,852,054; 5,869,042;
5,882,641; 5,882,915; 5,906,818; 5,916,029; 5,919,447; 5,922,603;
5,972,689; 5,974,734; 5,994,117; 5,998,196; 6,015,553; 6,017,525;
6,030,610; 6,033,659; 6,060,051; and 6,103,228.
[0012] No single reference and no combination of the references
teach the invention disclosed herein. The background art does not
teach combinations of microorganisms disclosed herein, combinations
that provide a surprising consistency of performance in plant
disease control.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] A purpose of the invention is to control the plant pathogens
that cause early and late season root and stalk rot. Another
purpose is to provide for season-long protection for plants from
the pathogens that cause early and late season root and stalk rot.
Another purpose is to provide consistent disease control for
plants. Yet another purpose is to increase the yield of plants and
plant seed production.
[0014] One advantage of the invention is that root and stalk rot
can be controlled with a composition that is not toxic to humans.
Another advantage of the invention is that root and stalk rot can
be controlled more economically than with chemical fungicides. Yet
another advantage of the invention is that it provides a biocontrol
agent or bio-pesticide with extended shelf life. Thus, a seed can
be treated with the biocontrol agent and stored for a period of
months and still host a viable biocontrol agent that will colonize
the root when the seed is placed in the ground, germinates and
grows. Furthermore, the disclosed biocontrol agent is competitive
with natural soil microbes that occur in the rhizosphere while
providing pathogen protection for the plant. A further advantage of
the invention is that the combination of a fungal/bacterial
antagonist is more effective in controlling fungal pathogens in the
plant rhizosphere than either a fungal antagonist or a bacterial
antagonist alone. Thus, the invention provides an easy-to-use,
effective means of controlling plant pathogens that have been only
been controllable by rotation management. A further advantage of
the invention is that its use produces more consistent results than
the use of either a fungal antagonist or a bacterial antagonist
alone, as shown by the Working Examples presented herein. In fact,
use of the antagonist combinations disclosed herein is shown to be
functional when use of its individual constituent antagonists is
not.
[0015] The compositions disclosed herein may be integrated into
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, the inventive
compositions may be used in combination with other management
systems. As an alternative to synthetic agents, biocontrol agents
(bio-pesticides) offer the advantage of containing naturally
derived constituents that are safe to both humans and the
environment. Specifically, bio-pesticides offer such advantages as
being inherently less toxic than conventional pesticides, generally
affecting only the target pest and closely related organisms, and
are often effective in very small quantities. For these reasons,
bio-pesticides often decompose quickly and, therefore, are ideal
for use as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
programs.
[0016] The applicant has shown through a variety of laboratory and
field trials that Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000
and Trichoderma virens G1-3 are compatible with one another and
that they act synergistically to consistently produce increased
yield in plants. These results were presented in the parent
application referenced above.
[0017] Field trials were conducted as part of the applicant's
continuing research effort that tested other known Bacillus
subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens)
strains and other known Trichoderma virens isolates. The purpose of
testing was to determine whether the surprising synergism between a
Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens bacterium and a
Trichoderma virens fungus disclosed in the parent application would
be present between other strains and isolates of the same genus and
species.
[0018] This testing by the applicant did result in the discovery of
a synergistic activity between other isolates and strains of
Trichoderma virens and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens.
These results are presented in the final three working examples at
the end of this document. The results show that other isolates of
Trichoderma virens and other strains of Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens do have synergistic properties. The applicant's
research has also confirmed that the combination of T. virens G1-3
and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 is superior to
combinations comprising any other tested strains, but that
synergies among other combinations do exist. These synergies have
led the applicant to the conclusion that his patent rights should
include combinations of all Trichoderma virens isolates and all
Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strains.
[0019] The invention is an inoculum, a seed coated with the
inoculum, a plant protected with the inoculum, a method of
producing the inoculum and a method of protecting a seed or a plant
with the inoculum. A further embodiment of the inoculum comprises a
combination of a fungus and a bacterium. Preferably, the fungus is
a species of Trichoderma and the bacterium is a species of
Bacillus, preferably a spore-forming strain of Bacillus. More
preferably, the fungus is Trichoderma virens and the bacterium is
Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens, although other
combinations are also envisioned. Even more preferably, the fungus
is Trichoderma virens G1-3 (ATCC 58678) or Trichoderma virens G1-21
(an isolate that is commercially available from Thermo Trilogy
Corporation) and the bacterium is Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE (ATCC BAA-390) or Bacillus subtilis
var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 (a strain that is commercially
available from Earth Biosciences, Inc.).
[0020] Further embodiments of the invention comprise combining of a
Trichoderma virens fungus and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
bacterium and placing this combination on a seed or in the vicinity
of the seed or seedling. A person having ordinary skill in the art
would understand that the names Trichoderma virens and Gliocladium
virens are synonymous. The ATCC listing of this organism under ATCC
Accession No. 58678 confirms its prior classification as
Gliocladium virens.
[0021] In a further embodiment, the inoculum is produced by adding
an essentially pure culture, a substantially pure culture, an
axenic culture or a biologically pure culture of Trichoderma virens
to a bioreactor containing molasses-yeast extract growth medium
using a standard inoculation technique. The medium is agitated and
aerated and its temperature is maintained at about 28 degrees
Centigrade. After the Trichoderma virens is grown in the medium for
about eight hours, an essentially pure culture, a substantially
pure culture, an axenic culture or a biologically pure culture of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens is added to the medium using a standard
inoculation technique. The combined, competitive culture is grown
under the aforementioned conditions and produces maximum cell and
spore counts in approximately seven days. The combined culture is
then used as an inoculum and is applied each seed at a rate of no
less than about 1,000 spore counts per seed.
[0022] In a further embodiment, a solution containing an
essentially pure culture, a substantially pure culture, an axenic
culture or a biologically pure culture of the fungal antagonist
Trichoderma virens is combined with a solution containing an
essentially pure culture, a substantially pure culture, an axenic
culture or a biologically pure culture of Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens in a 50/50 mixture by volume and is applied to a
seed at a rate of no less than about 10,000 spore counts per
seed.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the invention is an agricultural
inoculum suitable for inoculating plant seeds comprising a
Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist selected from the group
consisting of isolate ATCC 58678, isolate G1-21 and mutants
thereof; a Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens bacterial
antagonist selected from the group consisting of strain ATCC
BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, and a suitable carrier
that is non-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal.
Suitable carriers include wettable clay based powders, dextrose
granules or powders, sucrose granules or powders and
maltose-dextrose granules or powders.
[0024] A further embodiment of the invention is a composition of
matter comprising a plant seed inoculated with a combination
comprising a Trichoderma virens antagonist selected from the group
consisting of isolate ATCC 58678, isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof
and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the group
consisting of strain ATCC BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants
thereof, wherein said combination suppresses growth of plant
pathogenic fungi.
[0025] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a seed or plant
inoculated with a combination selected from the group consisting
of: a Trichoderma virens antagonist selected from the group
consisting of isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the group consisting of
strain FZB24 and mutants thereof; a Trichoderma virens antagonist
selected from the group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678 and
mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist
selected from the group consisting of strain FZB24 and mutants
thereof; and a Trichoderma virens antagonist selected from the
group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and a
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the group
consisting of strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, wherein the
combination suppresses growth of plant pathogenic fungi.
[0026] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method
of protecting a plant from disease caused by a plant pathogenic
fungus comprising inoculating seeds from said plant with a
combination comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist
selected from the group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678, isolate
G1-21 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
bacterial antagonist selected from the group consisting of strain
ATCC BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof, wherein said
combination suppresses growth of plant pathogenic fungi.
[0027] A further embodiment of the invention is a method of
protecting a seed or a plant from disease caused by a plant
pathogenic fungus comprising inoculating seeds from said plant with
a composition comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and
a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist. Preferably, the
fungal antagonist is selected from the group consisting of isolate
ATCC 58678, isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof and the bacterial
antagonist is selected from the group consisting of strain ATCC
BAA-390, strain FZB24 and mutants thereof.
[0028] A further embodiment of the invention is a method of
protecting a seed or a plant from disease caused by a plant
pathogenic fungus comprising inoculating seeds from said plant with
a composition comprising a fungal antagonist and a bacterial
antagonist, wherein said combination suppresses growth of plant
pathogenic fungi. A further embodiment is capable of control of the
plant pathogen fungi Fusarium, Phythium, Phytophthora and
Penicillium.
[0029] A further embodiment of the invention is a method of
protecting a plant from disease caused by a plant pathogenic fungus
comprising inoculating seeds from said plant with a composition
selected from the group: a composition comprising a Trichoderma
virens fungal antagonist selected from the group consisting of
isolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist selected from the group
consisting of strain ATCC BAA-390 and mutants thereof, and a
composition comprising a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist
selected from the group consisting of isolate G1-21 and mutants
thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist
selected from the group consisting of strain FZB24 and mutants
thereof, wherein said combination suppresses growth of plant
pathogenic fungi.
[0030] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a method for
biologically controlling or inhibiting stalk rot or root rot
comprising coating seeds with an effective amount of a composition
comprising a Trichoderma virens isolate G1-21 and mutants thereof
and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24.
[0031] A further embodiment of the invention is process for making
a composition comprising introducing an essentially pure culture of
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24) to a growth medium about
eight hours after an essentially pure culture of Trichoderma virens
(isolate G1-21) is introduced to the growth medium and growing the
culture as a competitive culture.
[0032] A further embodiment of the invention is a process
comprising making a composition by combining an essentially pure
culture of Trichoderma virens G1-3 (isolate G1-21) with an
essentially pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain
FZB24) in a 50:50 mixture and applying said composition to a seed
at a rate of at least 100,000 spores per seed.
[0033] In one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the
spore count applied per seed ranges from about 1,000 to about
1,000,000, regardless of seed size. In another embodiment of the
invention, the spore count per seed is from about 1,000 to about
10,000. In a further embodiment of the invention, the spore count
per seed is from about 10,000 to about 100,000. In a yet further
embodiment of the invention, the spore count per seed is from about
100,000 to about 1,000,000. In a yet another embodiment of the
invention, the spore count per seed is from about 1,000,000 to
about 2,000,000.
[0034] A further embodiment of the invention is a method for
protecting plants in a growing medium from damping off and root rot
fungal plant disease comprising placing in the growing medium in
the immediate vicinity of the plant to be protected an effective
quantity of one of the fungal/bacterial combinations disclosed
herein.
[0035] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a method for
protecting plants from fungal plant disease comprising adding one
of the fungal/bacterial combinations disclosed herein in an
effective quantity to a substrate such as pelletized calcium
sulfate or pelletized lime and placing the pellet in the immediate
vicinity of the plant to be protected. The pellet may or may not
contain other nutrients.
[0036] A further embodiment of the invention is a method for
protecting plants from fungal plant disease comprising adding one
of the fungal/bacterial combinations disclosed herein in an
effective quantity to a liquid solution such as water and applying
the liquid solution in the immediate vicinity of the plant to be
protected. The liquid may or may not contain additional nutrients
and may include a chemical fungicide applied to the seed such as,
for example, Maxim or captan. The disclosed combination may also be
added to a plant nutrient (nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK))
plus plant micro-nutrient solution that is compatible with the
combination and applied as an in-furrow treatment.
[0037] A further embodiment of the invention is a method for
biologically controlling a plant disease caused by a
plant-colonizing fungus, the method comprising inoculating a seed
of the plant with an effective amount of a microbial inoculant
comprising a combination of microorganisms having all of the
identifying characteristics of Trichoderma virens and Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens, said inoculation resulting in the control of
said plant disease. The invention is also a method according to the
above further embodiment wherein said inoculation results in the
control of more than one plant disease.
[0038] Yet a further embodiment of the invention involves combining
a Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist to enhance ease of use and
longevity of shelf life both as a stored product and when applied
to a seed. In a further embodiment, the invention involves applying
the disclosed Trichoderma microorganism and the Bacillus
microorganism to a wettable powder, in which form it is
applied.
[0039] A further embodiment of the invention is composition of
matter made by combining: a composition made by combing a plurality
of antagonists selected from the group consisting of a Trichoderma
virens antagonist selected from the group consisting of isolate
G1-21 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
antagonist selected from the group consisting of strain FZB24 and
mutants thereof; a Trichoderma virens antagonist selected from the
group consisting of isolate ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and a
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens antagonist selected from the group
consisting of strain FZB24 and mutants thereof; and a Trichoderma
virens antagonist selected from the group consisting of isolate
ATCC 58678 and mutants thereof and a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens
antagonist selected from the group consisting of strain FZB24 and
mutants thereof; and a suitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic,
non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal.
[0040] A further embodiment of the invention is an antagonist for
controlling plant pathogens made by combining effective amounts of:
a fungal antagonist selected from the group of Trichoderma virens
isolate (isolate G1-21) and mutants thereof; a bacterial antagonist
selected from the group of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain
FZB24) and mutants thereof; and a suitable carrier that is
non-phytotoxic, non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal.
Preferably, the antagonist made by further combining with the
antagonist an effective amount of another bacterial strain.
[0041] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a seed assembly
made by combining a plant seed with effective amounts of a
Trichoderma virens fungal antagonist and a Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens bacterial antagonist. In a further embodiment,
the seed is a seed of a plant selected from the group of a monocot,
and a dicot. In a further embodiment, the seed is a seed of a plant
selected from the group of a legume plant, and a non-legume plant.
In a further embodiment, the seed is a seed of a plant selected
from the group of corn, sunflower, soybean, field pea, and
wheat.
[0042] A further embodiment of the invention is method for
culturing a plant comprising: applying an antagonist disclosed
herein to a seed or to the seedbed of the plant; planting the seed
in the seedbed; growing the plant to yield a crop; and harvesting
the crop; wherein said applying step increases the yield of the
crop. In a further embodiment, the antagonist is applied to the
seed or to the seedbed of a plant selected from the group of a
monocot, and a dicot. In a further embodiment, the antagonist is
applied to the seed or to the seedbed of a plant selected from the
group of a legume plant, and a non-legume plant. In a further
embodiment, the antagonist is applied to the seed or to the seedbed
of a plant selected from the group of corn, sunflower, soybean,
field pea, and wheat.
[0043] Plant species that may be treated with the disclosed
invention include commercial crops species, e.g., barley, oat,
millet, alfalfa. The disclosed invention may also be used to treat
leguminous plants (e.g., soybeans, alfalfa, and peas) and
non-leguminous plants (e.g., corn, wheat, and cotton). The
disclosed invention may also be used to treat angiosperms and
cereals.
[0044] Yet a further embodiment is a process comprising: making a
composition by combining an essentially pure culture of Trichoderma
virens (isolate G1-21) with an essentially pure culture of Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24) in a mixture; and applying said
composition to a seed; wherein said mixture ranges in composition
from 10 to 90 percent Trichoderma virens (isolate G1-21) by volume
and from 90 to 10 percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (strain FZB24)
by volume.
[0045] Yet a further embodiment of the invention is a process
comprising: making a composition by combining an essentially pure
culture of Trichoderma virens (isolate G1-21) with a plurality of
essentially pure cultures of bacteria in a mixture; and applying
said composition to a seed; wherein said mixture ranges in
composition from 10 to 90 percent Trichoderma virens (isolate
G1-21) by culture volume.
[0046] In one embodiment of the invention the mixture ranges in
composition from 10 to 90 percent Trichoderma virens by volume and
from 90 to 10 percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by volume. In
another embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises about 20
percent Trichoderma virens by volume 80 percent Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens by volume. In a further embodiment of the
invention, the mixture comprises about 30 percent Trichoderma
virens by volume 70 percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by volume.
In a yet further embodiment of the invention, the mixture comprises
about 40 percent Trichoderma virens by volume 60 percent Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens by volume.
[0047] A further embodiment of the invention is an antagonist for
controlling plant pathogens made by combining effective amounts of:
a fungal antagonist selected from the group of an isolate of
Trichoderma virens and mutants thereof; a bacterial antagonist
selected from the group a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and
mutants thereof; and a suitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic,
non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal. Preferably, the isolate
is Trichoderma virens (isolate G1-21), which is presently EPA
registered.
[0048] In a further embodiment, the invention is an antagonist for
controlling plant pathogens made by combining effective amounts of:
a fungal antagonist selected from the group of Trichoderma virens
(isolate G1-21) and mutants thereof; a plurality of bacterial
antagonists; and a suitable carrier that is non-phytotoxic,
non-bacteriostatic, and non-bactericidal. Preferably, the plurality
of bacterial antagonists comprises a strain of Bacillus
lentimorbus.
[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a method
comprising: combining a spore-forming fungal strain and a
spore-forming bacterial strain to produce a product comprising a
composition of matter disclosed herein; and applying the product to
a plant or to a part of the plant; whereby application of the
product produces yield enhancement in the plant.
[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a method
comprising: applying a Trichoderma spp. microorganism and a
Bacillus spp. microorganism to a wettable powder to produce a
combination comprising an antagonist disclosed herein; and applying
the combination to a seed; whereby application of the combination
produces a positive yield response in a plant growing from the
seed.
[0051] In yet another preferred embodiment, the invention is a
process comprising: making a composition of matter disclosed
herein; and applying said composition of matter to a seed; wherein
said composition of matter ranges in composition from 1 to 99
percent Trichoderma virens by culture volume and from 99 to 1
percent Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by culture volume.
[0052] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a
composition of matter comprising: a plant seed inoculated with an
agricultural inoculum disclosed herein; wherein said combination
increases the yield of the plant. In another preferred embodiment,
the invention is a method for increasing the yield of a plant, the
method comprising: coating a seed of the plant with an effective
amount of an agricultural inoculum disclosed herein; and culturing
the plant.
[0053] In another preferred embodiment, the invention is a
composition made by combining effective amounts of: a spore-forming
fungal antagonist; and a spore-forming bacterial antagonist;
wherein the spore-forming fungal antagonist does not produce a
substance that substantially inhibits the growth of the
spore-forming bacterial antagonist and the spore-forming bacterial
antagonist does not produce a substance that substantially inhibits
the growth of the spore-forming fungal antagonist; and wherein the
composition is effective at increasing the yield of a plant grown
from a seed to which the composition has been applied. Preferably,
the composition is effective at increasing the manganese content of
the plant
[0054] The compositions of the present invention can be used for
controlling fungal infestations by applying an effective amount of
the composition or a formulation thereof, either at one point in
time or throughout the plant/crop cycle via multiple applications.
The formulation may be applied to the locus to be protected for
example by spraying, atomizing, vaporizing, scattering, dusting,
coating, watering, squirting, sprinkling, pouring, fumigating, and
the like. The dosage of the bioagent(s) applied may be dependant
upon factors such as the type of fungal pest, the carrier used, the
method of application (e.g., seed, plant application or soil
delivery) and climate conditions for application (e.g., indoors,
arid, humid, windy, cold, hot, controlled), or the type of
formulation (e.g., aerosol, liquid, or solid).
[0055] Biocontrol agents comprising the disclosed compositions may
be applied in agricultural, horticultural and seedling nursery
environments. This generally includes application of agents to
soil, seeds, whole plants, or plant parts (including, but not
limited to, roots, tubers, stems, flowers and leaves).
Bio-pesticide or microbial combinations may be used alone, however,
they may additionally be formulated into conventional products such
as dust, granule, microgranule, pellet, wettable powder, flowable
powder, emulsion, microcapsule, oil, or aerosol. To improve or
stabilize the effects of the bio-pesticide, the agent may be
blended with suitable adjuvants and then used as such or after
dilution if necessary.
[0056] A worker skilled in the art would recognize that the
bioagent(s) may be formulated for seed treatment either as a
pre-treatment for storage or sowing. The seed may form part of a
pelleted composition or, alternatively, may be soaked, sprayed,
dusted or fumigated with the inventive compositions. Additionally,
the inventive compositions may be applied to the soil or turf, a
plant, crop, or a plantation. Some areas may additionally require
that the invention provide for slow-release materials such that the
agent is designed to have an extended release period.
[0057] In use, the invention disclosed herein may comprise the
application of an aqueous or a non-aqueous spray composition to the
crop. For example, the inventive composition may be applied to the
soil, or to a plant part (e.g., stalk, root or leaf), or both, as
an aqueous spray containing spray adjuvants such as surfactants and
emulsified agricultural crop oils which insure that the agent is
deposited as a droplet which wets the stalk or leaf and is retained
on the plant so that agent can be absorbed.
[0058] The skilled artisan would realize that the inventive
compositions may be applied in combination with nutrients
(fertilizers) or herbicides or both, or may form part of a
formulation comprising the inventive composition in combination
with a fertilizer or herbicide or both. Such a formulation may be
manufactured in the form of a liquid, a coating, a pellet or in any
format known in the art.
[0059] The skilled artisan would realize that the inventive
compositions may be applied to seeds as part of stratification,
desiccation, hormonal treatment, or a mechanical process to
encourage germination or to terminate dormancy. Treatments
including the inventive agents in combination with hormones, PEG,
or varying temperature, or in combination with mechanical
manipulation of the seed (i.e. piercing), are contemplated.
[0060] Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from
consideration of the drawings and the ensuing description of
further embodiments of the invention. A person skilled in the art
will realize that other embodiments of the invention are possible
and that the details of the invention can be modified in a number
of respects, all without departing from the inventive concept.
Thus, the following drawings and description are to be regarded as
illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] The features of the invention will be better understood by
reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate presently
further embodiments of the invention. In the drawings:
[0062] FIG. 1 is a plot that compares the incidence of stalk rot in
TJ 1300-treated plots versus the incidence of stalk rot in control
plots.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a plot that compares final plant populations in
TJ1300-treated plots versus final plant populations in control
plots.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0064] A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises the fungus
Trichoderma virens isolate G1-3 (ATCC 58678) or other isolates.
These microorganisms may be obtained from the American Type Culture
Collection (ATCC), 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md., 20852-1776
and other culture collections or isolated from nature.
[0065] Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises
Trichoderma (Gliocladium) virens isolate G1-21 which is being
marketed under the trademark SoilGuard.RTM. 12G by Thermo Trilogy
Corporation, 9145 Guilford Road, Suite 175, Columbia, Md.
21046.
[0066] A further embodiment of the invention also comprises the
bacterium Bacillus lentimorbus TJ 1000, which is renamed herein
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE, based on a more accurate
determination of the name of Bacillus species that occurred before
the parent patent application was filed. This microorganism was
deposited with the ATTC on Oct. 31, 2001, and was assigned
accession number ATCC BAA-390. Alternative embodiments of the
invention comprise other strains which can be isolated from nature
or obtained from ATCC or other culture collections.
[0067] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is comprised
of Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens strain FZB24 which is
being marketed under the trademark Taegro.RTM. by Earth Bioscience,
Inc., 26 Sherman Court, PO Box 764, Fairfield, Conn. 06430.
[0068] A further embodiment of the invention involves combining an
essentially pure culture of Trichoderma virens and an essentially
pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in a competitive culture
process. The competitive culture process involves adding the
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens to a growth medium about eight hours
after the Trichoderma virens was added to the medium. The combined
culture is then applied to a seed, for example, a corn seed. The
combination grown in a competitive culture provides protection for
seeds and plants and is especially effective in a high-stress,
high-fungal pathogen environment during the early stages of plant
development.
[0069] A further embodiment of the invention involves growing an
essentially pure culture of Trichoderma virens and an essentially
pure culture of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 separately for
five days. After the cultures are grown separately, the
compositions that contain them are combined in a 50/50 combination
by volume and then the combination is applied to a seed, for
example, a corn seed. The combined cultures are applied to a seed
provides protection for seeds and plants from fungal pathogens.
This combination is especially effective under conditions that are
less stressful to the plant.
[0070] A further step in the process involves applying either of
the above combinations to a seed involves adding an aqueous
solution comprising 30 grams/liter of molasses to the solution
containing the combination to produce an appropriate spore count in
the resulting composition. The resulting composition is then
applied to the seed as a liquid mist to achieve optimum application
rates per seed using the molasses as an adhesive to adhere the
spores to the seed.
[0071] In a further embodiment, the bioreactor used to culture the
microorganism cultures is a New Brunswick Bioflow III bioreactor.
For optimal results, the agitation setting of the bioreactor is set
at about 350 rpm, the aeration setting of the bioreactor is set at
about 3.0 with an aeration air pressure of about 15 pounds per
square inch and the temperature setting is set at about 28 degrees
Centigrade. The further growth medium for each of the individual
cultures and the combined competitive culture comprises about 30
grams per liter of molasses and about 5 grams per liter of yeast
extract and is referred to as a MYE medium. In A further
embodiment, the medium contains about 5 milliliters of antifoam. In
a further embodiment, spore production is measured by counting
spores using a hemacytometer manufactured by Hausser
Scientific.
[0072] A variety of seed treatments or no seed treatment may be
practiced before the seed is inoculated with the disclosed
inoculum. In some further embodiments, seed treatments include
osmotic priming and pre-germination of the seed. Because
Trichoderma virens and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens are spore
formers, the disclosed inoculum does not require high moisture
levels for survival and, therefore, can be applied to seed and
other materials without a sticker, such as those sold under the
trade names Pelgel (LipaTech), Keltrol (Xanthan) Cellprill or
Bond.
[0073] In a further embodiment, the invention involves combining of
a spore forming fungal strain and a spore forming bacterial strain
to enhance ease of use and longevity of shelf life both as a stored
product and when applied to a seed. In A further embodiment, the
invention involves applying the disclosed Trichoderma microorganism
and the disclosed Bacillus microorganism to a wettable powder, and
marketing the wettable powder.
First Greenhouse Working Example
[0074] Greenhouse testing was conducted to determine the
effectiveness of the disclosed biocontrol agents. Treated and
untreated corn seeds were grown in soil infested with seven percent
Fusarium infested wheat seed. In this testing, the following
treatment codes were used: [0075] CONTROL--Nothing on the seed
[0076] TJ 1000--Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE [0077] TJ
0300--Trichoderma virens G1-3 [0078] TJ 1300-50/50 combination of
Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or
1BE [0079] TJ 1310--competitive culture of Trichoderma virens G1-3
and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE, resulting in a 70/30
ratio of Trichoderma to Bacillus
[0080] The results of greenhouse testing are presented in Table 0.
The rating scale used was 9=worst plant protection and 1=best plant
protection. Seed treated with biocontrol organisms grown in
competitive culture showed an increase in plant protection over
seed treatments with the same biological control organisms grown in
non-competitive culture. The biocontrol agents were applied to the
seed without a sticker.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 0 Greenhouse Testing Results Treatment
Replication 1 Replication 2 Replication 3 Average Control 9 7 6 7.3
TJ 0300 6 5 5 5.3 TJ 1000 7 6 5 6 TJ 1300 6 5 6 5.6 TJ 1310 1 3 3
2.3
Field Trials Working Example
[0081] In a subsequent experiment, field trials were conducted at
seven locations throughout the U.S. Site locations included
Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota and two South
Dakota locations. At each location, the trial contained a CONTROL
that was treated with the industry-standard chemical treatment,
MAXIM. All cultures used in the trial were grown in MYE broth for
five days. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE was cultured
individually (non-competitive) and with Trichoderma virens G1-3
(competitive culture). Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE were also grown in non-competitive
culture were also applied to the same seed to test the
effectiveness of non-competitive culture versus competitive
culture. Corn seeds were treated to give a final concentration of
1,000,000,000 bacterial/fungal spores per acre. Seed treatment was
done with a Gustafson benchtop seed treater, Model BLT.
[0082] The plot location in Kansas was severely damaged by early
dry conditions and the plot was terminated prior to harvest. The
Colorado location was damaged due to machine damage prior to
harvest. Colorado yield data were collected but were extremely
variable and were not included in the analyzed data set. The
Colorado stalk rot data were included in the data set.
[0083] The value of the Stalk Rot variable was determined by
counting ten plants in a row, determining the number of root
rot/stalk rot infected plants and expressing that number as a
percentage. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in six trials, the average
infection rate in the control was 55.13 percent versus 38.62
percent in the entries treated with the fungal/bacterial
combination, TJ1300. The data revealed an average reduction of
disease incidence of 30 percent with the Colorado location showing
a reduction of over 60 percent.
[0084] The value of the Final Population variable was determined by
a conducting a physical count of the plants in a measured area and
converting to a per acre count. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
average increase in final plant population was 3,742 plants per
acre or an increase of 12.2 percent. This increased population was
the result of controlling the disease early and having less plant
death throughout the season.
[0085] Use of TJ1300 resulted in an average yield benefit of 5.35
bushels per acre. Average yield was determined from eight trials: 4
in South Dakota, 1 in North Dakota, 2 in Arizona, and 1 in
Montana.
Second Greenhouse Working Example
[0086] Greenhouse Methods: All test cultures were grown in MYE
(three percent Molasses, 0.5 percent Yeast Extract) broth for five
days. Bacteria were grown up individually (non-competitive) and
with T. virens G1-3 (competitive culture). T. virens G1-3 was also
grown in a non-competitive culture for testing. T. virens G1-3 and
test bacteria grown in non-competitive culture were also applied to
the same seed to test the effectiveness of non-competitive culture
versus competitive culture. Corn seeds were treated to give a final
concentration of 1.times.10.sup.9 bacteria/fungal spores (may also
be referred to a Colony Forming Units or CFU) per acre. Seed
treatment was done with a Gustafson Benchtop Seed Treater, Model
BLT. Seeds were grown in soil infested with seven percent
Fusarium-infested wheat seed. After four weeks, plant heights were
taken as well as plant biomass. Plant heights were taken by
measuring from the soil line to the tallest leaf, biomass of the
plants was taken by cutting the plants at the soil line and then
weighing plants on analytical scale. The treatment matrix was as
follows: [0087] Control--No pathogen added to soil. [0088]
Control--With pathogen added to soil. [0089] TJ1000 --Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE [0090] TJ0300 --Trichoderma virens
G1-3 [0091] TJ2000 --Erwinia carotovora [0092] TJ1300 --B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3
(non-competitive) [0093] TJ2300 --E. carotovora and T. virens G1-3
(non-competitive) [0094] TJ1310 --B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or
1BE and T. virens G1-3 (competitive) [0095] TJ 1-2310 --B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE, E. carotovora and T. virens G1-3
(competitive) [0096] TJ2310 --E. carotovora and T. virens G1-3
(competitive)
[0097] Determination of CFU (Colony Forming Units) concentrations
in competitive cultures: Competitive cultures grown for five days.
CFU counts of each organism were performed using a hemacytometer
(Hausser Scientific) under light microscopy 5000.times.
magnification. This method was used to determine the CFU counts in
the greenhouse and field trials.
[0098] Enumeration through plate counts: Competitive cultures were
grown for five days in submerged culture then 200 milliliters (ml)
of the culture was harvested and aliquoted into four 50 ml
centrifuge tubes. After centrifugation at 10,000 revolutions per
minute (rpm) for 10 minutes resulting pellets were washed twice in
equal volumes of D.sub.2H.sub.20. Pellets were then re-suspended in
25 ml of saline. One ml samples were diluted 10.sup.-1 to 10.sup.-8
and plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Colonies are
then counted and correlated with the dilution rates to determine
CFU per ml of culture broth.
[0099] Results: All of the biocontrol agents in this experiment
produced significant plant biomass increases over the
pathogen-treated control and all of the treatments were numerically
greater than the control plants in soil that contained no pathogen.
The effects of bacterial/fungal combination TJ 1310 and the
bacterial treatment TJ 1000 were significantly greater than both
controls in the experiment.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 Demonstration of the Effectiveness of
Biological Combinations and Individual Bacteria and Individual
Fungal Treatments on Increasing the Biomass of Greenhouse-Grown
Corn Seedlings in Pathogen-Treated Soil vs. the Untreated Control
Treatment Ratio Rank Biomass (grams) Control Path 0/0 10 3.62 a
Control No Path 0/0 9 7.25 ab TJ 1300 50/50 8 8.67 b TJ 2310 30/70
7 9.04 b TJ 2000 100/0 6 10.73 b TJ 1-2310 20/20/60 5 11.37 b TJ
2300 50/50 4 11.41 b TJ 0300 0/100 3 11.53 b TJ 1310 30/70 2 12.24
bc TJ 1000 100/0 1 12.89 bc CV % 33.9 LSD (0.05) 4.55
Combinations Field Trial Working Example
[0100] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
corn variety NK 3030Bt using the following biological treatments of
the seed at a rate of approximately 10.sup.6 CFU per seed. The seed
was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch
rows in a randomized, replicated block. Each entry was replicated
four times. The pathogen levels were natural populations at a
location near Groton, S. Dak. The entries were as follows: [0101]
Control: Maxim Seed treatment (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta
Crop Protection) [0102] TJ 1000 --Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000
or 1 BE [0103] TJ 0300 --Trichoderma virens G1-3 [0104] TJ
1300--50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and
T. virens G1-3 [0105] TJ 1310--Coculture 30/70 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1 BE and T virens G1-3 [0106] TJ
66/300--50/50 combination of Bacillus lentimorbus and T. virens
G1-3
[0107] Results: The trial produced significant yield response over
the control with the entries TJ 0300, TJ 1300, and TJ 1310. The
combinations TJ 1300 and TJ 1310 produced a yield response
numerically greater than that of TJ 0300. The effects of
bacterial/fungal combination TJ 66/300 and the bacterial treatment
TJ 1000 were numerically greater than the control but not
significantly greater. The results are presented in Table 2.
[0108] Conclusion: The bacterial/fungal combinations of entries TJ
1300 and TJ 1310 are the most effective biocontrol treatments in
the trial for increasing the yield of corn.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 2 Effect of Biological Seed Treatment on Yield
of Corn Variety N3030 Bt under Field Conditions. Treatment Ratio
Rank Location Trial Yield Control Maxim 0/0 6 Groton, SD Seed Treat
164.8 a TJ 1000 100/0 4 Groton, SD Seed Treat 175.1 ab TJ 0300
0/100 3 Groton, SD Seed Treat 179.5 bc TJ 1300 50/50 2 Groton, SD
Seed Treat 183.3 bc TJ 1310 30/70 1 Groton, SD Seed Treat 189.8 c
TJ 66/300 50/50 5 Groton, SD Seed Treat 173.2 ab CV % 13.54
LSD(0.05) 12.5.sup.
50/50 Combination Field Trial Working Example
[0109] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
corn variety NK 3030Bt using the following biological treatments of
the seed at a rate of approximately 10.sup.6 CFU per seed. The seed
was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch
rows in a randomized replicated block. Each entry was replicated
four times. The pathogen levels were natural populations at a
location near Groton, S. Dak. The entries were as follows: [0110]
Control: Maxim Seed treatment (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta
Crop Protection) [0111] TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3
[0112] Results: As indicated in Table 3, the trial produced a
significant response in the yield of the seed treated with the
biocontrol agent TJ 1300 (described above) as compared with the
untreated control.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 3 Effect of Biological Seed Treatment on Yield
of Corn Variety NK 3030Bt under Field Conditions. Treatment Ratio
Rep Location Yield Control 0/0 1 Groton, SD 156.8 Control 0/0 2
Groton, SD 163.3 Control 0/0 3 Groton, SD 151.0 Average 0/0 Groton,
SD .sup. 157.03 a 1300 50/50 1 Groton, SD 184.3 1300 50/50 2
Groton, SD 179.1 1300 50/50 3 Groton, SD 177.3 Average 50/50
Groton, SD 180.21 b CV % 5.65 LSD (0.05%) 9.04
Application Rate Field Trial Working Example
[0113] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
corn variety NK2555 using the TJ 1300 (50/50 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3) biological
treatments of the seed at variable rates. The purpose of the trial
was to identify the most effective application rate for the
bacterial/fungal combination of TJ 1300. The 1.times. rate was
approximately 1.times.10.sup.6 CFU per seed. The seed was planted
at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a
randomized, replicated block. Each entry was replicated four times.
The pathogen levels were natural populations at a location near
Groton, S. Dak. The entries were as follows: [0114] Control--Maxim
(Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection) [0115]
0.5.times. rate [0116] 1.times. rate [0117] 1.5.times. rate [0118]
2.times. rate
[0119] Results: All of the biocontrol treatments in this experiment
resulted in significant yield response over the control with the
1.5.times. rate producing significantly better results than the
2.times. rate. The results of this trial, presented in Table 4,
indicated that the most efficacious application rate of the
biocontrol agent TJ 1300 was approximately 1.5.times.10.sup.6 per
seed.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 4 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment
on Yield of Corn Variety N2555 at Variable Rates Treatment Ratio
Rank Location Trial Yield Control 0/0 5 Groton, SD Rate 140.2 a
0.5x rate 50/50 3 Groton, SD Rate 153.6 bc 1x rate 50/50 2 Groton,
SD Rate 156.2 bc 1.5x rate 50/50 1 Groton, SD Rate 161.1 c 2x rate
50/50 4 Groton, SD Rate 152.07 b CV % 5.31 LSD (0.05%) 8.61
Liquid Biocontrol Preparations Working Example
[0120] Materials and Methods: Field trials were conducted using the
corn varieties NK 3030 and NK 3030Bt at a location in Brookings, S.
Dak. and NK 3030Bt and NK2555 at a location in Groton, S. Dak. The
purpose of the trial was to compare pathogen control of liquid
biocontrol preparations to a control treated with only water. The
results of the trial were quantified in yield of corn in bushels
per acre. The water was applied to the control at a 10 gallon per
acre rate. Biocontrol treatments were prepared by adding
1.times.10.sup.8 CFU per gram of a wettable powder (Mycotech,
Inc.). Two and one half grams of the wettable powder was added per
one gallon of water and soil applied in the seed furrow at a rate
of 10 gallons per acre. The seed was Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of
Syngenta Crop Protection) treated and was planted at a seeding rate
of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a randomized,
replicated block. Each entry was replicated four times. The
pathogen levels were natural populations at each location. The
entries were as follows: [0121] Control--Water [0122] TJ
1000--Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE [0123] TJ 0300
--Trichoderma virens G1-3 [0124] TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0125] TJ
1310--Coculture 30/70 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or
1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0126] TJ 66/300--50/50 combination of
Bacillus lentimorbus and T. virens G1-3
[0127] Results: Table 5 shows a significant yield increase to the
biocontrol treatments of TJ 1000, TJ1300, and TJ 66/300. All of the
biocontrol treatments showed a numerical yield increase.
[0128] Table 6 shows a significant yield increase to the biocontrol
treatments of TJ1000, TJ0300, and TJ1300. Again, all of the
biocontrol treatments showed a numerical yield increase.
[0129] Table 7 shows no significance in the yield between the
treatments and the control, however, the yield of TJ0300 was
numerically less than the control by over 10 bushels per acre and
is significantly less than the yields of the TJ1000 and TJ 1310
bacterial/fungal combination. This table demonstrates the strength
of the disclosed bacterial/fungal combinations over the fungal
control alone.
[0130] Table 8 shows the treatments of TJ 1000 and TJ 66/300 with
significantly less yield than the control while the treatments of
TJ0300, TJ1300, and TJ1310 having no significant difference. In
this trial, it was the bacterial entry of TJ1000 alone that shows
weakness in pathogen control. This table demonstrates the strength
of disclosed bacterial/fungal combinations over the bacterial
treatment alone.
[0131] Conclusion: The bacterial/fungal combination of entries TJ
1300 and TJ 1310 produce consistent pathogen control and/or yield
response, while the bacteria entry of TJ 1000 alone and fungal
entry of TJ 0300 alone produce inconsistent pathogen control and/or
yield response.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 5 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety
NK3030 at Brookings, SD Location Treatment Variety Ratio Rank
Location Trial Yield Control NK3030 0/0 6 Brookings, SD Liquid
162.2 a TJ1000 NK3030 100/0 1 Brookings, SD Liquid 179.7 b TJ0300
NK3030 0/100 5 Brookings, SD Liquid 170.7 ab TJ1300 NK3030 50/50 2
Brookings, SD Liquid 177.9 b TJ1310 NK3030 30/70 4 Brookings, SD
Liquid 172.8 ab TJ66/300 NK3030 50/50 3 Brookings, SD Liquid 175.0
b CV % 7.38 LSD (0.20%) 12.36
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 6 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety
NK2555 at Groton, SD Location Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location
Trial Yield Control NK2555 0/0 6 Groton, SD Liquid 136.2 a TJ1000
NK2555 100/0 1 Groton, SD Liquid 147.7 c TJ0300 NK2555 0/100 2
Groton, SD Liquid 145.0 bc TJ1300 NK2555 50/50 3 Groton, SD Liquid
142.5 bc TJ1310 NK2555 30/70 4 Groton, SD Liquid 141.5 abc TJ66/300
NK2555 50/50 5 Groton, SD Liquid 138.5 abc CV % 10.92 LSD (0.20%)
8.42
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 7 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety NK
3030Bt at Brookings, SD Location Treatment Variety Ratio Rank
Location Trial Yield Control NK3030Bt 0/0 4 Brookings, Liquid 181.5
ab SD TJ1000 NK3030Bt 100/0 2 Brookings, Liquid 185.5 b SD TJ0300
NK3030Bt 0/100 6 Brookings, Liquid 171.3 a SD TJ1300 NK3030Bt 50/50
5 Brookings, Liquid 180.7 ab SD TJ1310 NK3030Bt 30/70 1 Brookings,
Liquid 185.8 b SD TJ66/300 NK3030Bt 50/50 3 Brookings, Liquid 181.6
ab SD CV % 6.32 LSD (0.20%) 11.40
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 8 Liquid Drench Treatment on Corn Variety
3030Bt at Groton, SD Location Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location
Trial Yield Control NK3030Bt 0/0 2 Groton, SD Liquid 173.9 c TJ1000
NK3030Bt 100/0 6 Groton, SD Liquid 164.1 a TJ0300 NK3030Bt 0/100 4
Groton, SD Liquid 171.3 abc TJ1300 NK3030Bt 50/50 3 Groton, SD
Liquid 171.5 abc TJ1310 NK3030Bt 30/70 1 Groton, SD Liquid 176.3 c
TJ66/300 NK3030Bt 50/50 5 Groton, SD Liquid 164.4 ab CV % 10.92 LSD
(0.20%) 8.42
Compatibility with Dry Granule Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working
Example
[0132] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
corn variety NK 3030Bt at a location in Groton, S. Dak. The purpose
of the trial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of
the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a dry granule
micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the micro-nutrient fertilizer alone
vs. a control with no micro-nutrient fertilizer. The micro-nutrient
fertilizer is sold commercially by the applicant under the
trademark TJ Micromix.TM.. Biocontrol treatments were prepared by
adding 1.times.10.sup.6 CFU per seed. The control seed was Maxim
(Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection) treated with the
biocontrol treatments applied in addition to the Maxim. The seed
was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch
rows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix.TM. was applied
at a rate of 20 pounds per acre. Each entry was replicated four
times. The pathogen levels were natural populations at each
location. The entries were as follows: [0133] Control: Maxim [0134]
TJ Micromix [0135] TJ Micromix+TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3
[0136] Results: In this trial, as shown in Table 9, the Granular TJ
Micromix produced a non-significant yield increase compared to the
control. When the seed-applied biocontrol treatment TJ1300 was
applied in combination with the TJ Micromix, the treatment resulted
in a significant increase in yield.
[0137] Conclusion: The trial shows that TJ 1300 is compatible with
micro-nutrient applications and the combination produces a
significant yield response.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 9 Effect of TJ Micromix and TJ Micromix + TJ
1300 on Corn Variety NK 3030Bt Treatment Variety Rank Location
Trial Yield Control NK3030Bt 3 Groton, SD Fertilizer 157.0 a.sup.
TJ Micromix NK3030Bt 2 Groton, SD Fertilizer 163.3 ab TJ Micromix +
NK3030Bt 1 Groton, SD Fertilizer 175.5 b.sup. TJ 1300 CV % 9.04 LSD
(0.05%) 5.64
Compatibility with Liquid Chelate Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working
Example
[0138] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
corn variety NK 3030Bt at a location in Groton, S. Dak. The purpose
of the trial was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of
the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a liquid
chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the liquid chelate
micro-nutrient fertilizer alone. The liquid chelate micro-nutrient
fertilizer is sold commercially under the Trademark TJ
Micromix.TM.--Cornmix. Biocontrol treatments were prepared by
adding 1.times.10.sup.6 CFU per seed. The control seed was Maxim
(Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection) treated with the
biocontrol treatments applied in addition to the Maxim. The seed
was planted at a seeding rate of 25,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch
rows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix.TM.--Cornmix
was applied at a rate of 1.5 quarts per acre. Each entry was
replicated four times. The pathogen levels were natural populations
at the location. The entries were as follows: [0139] Control:
Maxim+Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix [0140] TJ Micro+TJ1000: Liquid
Chelate TJ Micromix plus TJ 1000--B. amyloliquefaciens [0141]
TJ1000 or 1BE [0142] TJ Micro+TJ0300: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix
plus TJ 0300--T. virens G1-3 [0143] TJ Micro+TJ1300: Liquid Chelate
TJ Micromix+TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ
1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0144] TJ Micro+TJ1310: Liquid
Chelate TJ Micromix+TJ 1310--Coculture 30/70 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0145] TJ
Micro+TJ66/300: Liquid Chelate TJ Micromix+TJ 66/300--50/50
combination of Bacillus lentimorbus and T. virens G1-3
[0146] Results: As shown in Table 10, the biocontrol treatments
TJ1000, 66/300, and 1300 combined with the liquid chelate TJ
Micromix resulted in a significant increase in yield over the
control of TJ Micromix alone. The other biocontrol entries showed
numerical but non-significant increases in yield. The conclusion
was that the biocontrol agents used in this study are compatible
with liquid chelate micro-nutrient applications. This
biocontrol/liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer combination is
a viable means to significantly increase the yield of corn.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 10 Effect of TJ Micromix Liquid Chelate and TJ
Micromix Liquid Chelate + TJ 1300 on Yield of Corn Variety NK3030Bt
Treatment Variety Ratio Rank Location Trial Yield Control NK3030Bt
0/0 6 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 161.0 a Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt
100/0 3 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 173.0 bc TJ 1000 Micromix TJ Micro +
NK3030Bt 0/100 5 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 163.0 ab TJ 0300 Micromix TJ
Micro + NK3030Bt 50/50 1 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 183.7 c TJ1300
Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt 30/70 4 Groton, SD Liquid TJ 172.0 ab
TJ 1310 Micromix TJ Micro + NK3030Bt 50/50 2 Groton, SD Liquid TJ
173.2 bc TJ 66/300 Micromix CV % 11.2 LSD (0.05%) 12.36
Sunflower Dry Granule Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working Example
[0147] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
sunflower variety Pioneer 63M80 NuSun at a location in Hazelton, N.
Dak. The purpose of the trial was to compare the compatibility and
yield benefit of the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination
with a dry granule micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the micro-nutrient
fertilizer alone vs. a control with no micro-nutrient fertilizer.
Analyzing yield of sunflower is a function of seed yield in pounds
per acre and the amount of oil in the seed which is expressed as a
percentage. The micro-nutrient fertilizer is sold commercially
under the Trademark TJ Micromix'. Biocontrol treatments were
prepared by adding 1.times.10.sup.6 CFU per seed. The control seed
was Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop Protection)
treated with the biocontrol treatments applied in addition to the
Maxim. The seed was planted at a seeding rate of 22,000 seeds per
acre in 30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated block. TJ
Micromix.TM. was applied at a rate of 20 pounds per acre. Each
entry was replicated four times. The pathogen levels were natural
populations at the location. The entries were as follows: [0148]
Control: Maxim [0149] TJ Micromix [0150] TJ 1300--50/50 combination
of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0151] TJ
Micromix+TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000
or 1BE and T. virens G1-3
[0152] Results: As shown in Table 11, in this trial, the Granular
TJ Micromix produced a significant yield increase and a significant
oil percentage increase compared to the control. When the
seed-applied biocontrol treatment TJ1300 was applied in combination
with the TJ Micromix, the treatment resulted in a significant
increase in yield as compared to the control but not significantly
different from the TJ Micromix application alone. The yield of the
TJ 1300+TJ Micromix was numerically higher in yield. The conclusion
was that TJ 1300 is compatible with micro-nutrient applications and
may be a viable tool to increase the yield of sunflower.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 11 Effect of TJ1300 Liquid Biological
Treatment Plus Dry Granular TJ Micromix on Yield of Nu-sun
Sunflower Variety 63M80 Treatment Rank Location Trial Yield Oil
Control Hazelton, ND TJ Micro 1709.7 a 44.8 a TJ Micromix Hazelton,
ND TJ Micro 1857.3 bc 47.2 b TJ 1300 Hazelton, ND TJ Micro 1734.7ab
45.5 a TJ 1300 + TJ Hazelton, ND MM 1864.7 bc 44.9 a Micromix CV %
.sup. 7.48 4.67 LSD (0.20) 132.8.sup. 1.5
Sunflower Liquid Chelate Micro-Nutrient Working Example
[0153] Materials and Methods: Field trial was conducted using the
sunflower variety Pioneer 63M80 NuSun at 3 locations: Hazelton, N.
Dak.; Kensal, N. Dak.; and Selby, S. Dak. The purpose of each trial
was to compare the compatibility and yield benefit of the
biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a liquid chelate
micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. an untreated control. Analyzing yield
of sunflower is a function of seed yield in pounds per acre and the
amount of oil in the seed which is expressed as a percentage. The
liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer is sold commercially under
the Trademark TJ Micromix.TM.. Biocontrol treatments were prepared
by adding 1.times.10.sup.8 CFU per gram to a wettable powder
(Mycotech, Inc). 25 grams of the wettable powder was then added to
1.5 quarts of liquid chelate TJ Micromix and the combination
applied in the seed furrow at a rate of 1.5 quarts per acre. The
control seed was Maxim (Maxim is a trademark of Syngenta Crop
Protection) treated with the biocontrol treatments applied in
addition to the Maxim. The seed was planted at a seeding rate of
22,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated
block. Each entry was replicated four times. The pathogen levels
were natural populations at each location. The entries were as
follows: [0154] Control--no treatment [0155] TJ 1300--50/50
combination of B. amyloliquefaciens G1-3 and T. virens G1-3 [0156]
TJ1300+TJ Micromix--Liquid chelate TJ Micromix+50/50 combination of
B. amyloliquefaciens and T. virens
[0157] Result: As shown in Table 12, TJ Micromix liquid and the
combination of TJ Micromix plus TJ 1300 both gave sunflower a
significant increase in yield. TJ 1300+TJ Micromix produced an
additional numerical increase in yield over the TJ Micromix
alone.
[0158] Conclusion: TJ 1300+TJ Micromix is a viable means of
biocontrol delivery on sunflower and is a viable means of
increasing the seed yield of sunflower.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 12 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Liquid Plus
Liquid TJ Micromix Fertilizer on Yield of Nu-sun Sunflower Variety
63M80 Treatment Ratio Location Trial Yield Oil Control 0/0
Hazelton, Liquid TJ 1709.7 44.8 ND Micro TJ 1300 50/50 Hazelton,
Liquid TJ 1765.0 45.5 ND Micro TJ1300 + TJ 50/50 Hazelton, Liquid
TJ 1992.3 45.9 Micromix ND Micro Control 0/0 Kensal, Liquid TJ
2000.3 N/a ND Micro TJ1300 50/50 Kensal, Liquid TJ 2159.0 N/a ND
Micro TJ1300 + TJ 50/50 Kensal, Liquid TJ 2329.0 N/a Micromix ND
Micro Control 0/0 Selby, Liquid TJ 2225.0 43.2 SD Micro TJ 1300
50/50 Selby, Liquid TJ 2324.0 44 SD Micro TJ1300 + TJ 50/50 Selby,
Liquid TJ 2228.5 44 Micromix SD Micro Control .sup. 1978.3 a 44 a
Average TJ 1300 .sup. 2082.8 b 44.75 a TJ 1300 + TJ .sup. 2173.3 b
45.5 a Micromix CV % 10.58 4.67 LSD (0.05) 104.1 NS
Soybean Liquid Chelate Micro-Nutrient Fertilizer Working
Example
[0159] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
soybean variety Pioneer 91B52 a location near Groton, S. Dak. The
purpose of the trial was to compare the compatibility and yield
benefit of the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a
liquid chelate micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the liquid chelate
alone vs. an untreated control. Yield in bushels per acre was used
as the measure of the treatment response. The liquid chelate
micro-nutrient fertilizer is sold commercially under the Trademark
TJ Micromix.TM.. Biocontrol treatments were prepared by adding
1.times.10.sup.8 CFU per gram to a wettable powder (Mycotech, Inc).
Twenty-five grams of the wettable powder was then added to 10
gallons of water and applied in the seed furrow at a rate of 10
gallons per acre to establish treatment TJ1300. Twenty-five grams
of the wettable powder was added to 1.5 quarts of liquid chelate TJ
Micromix and the combination added to water to form a 10 gallon
solution and applied in the seed furrow at a rate of 10 gallons per
acre. The seed was planted at a seeding rate of 175,000 seeds per
acre in 30-inch rows in a randomized, replicated block. Each entry
was replicated four times. The pathogen levels were natural
populations at the location. The entries were as follows: [0160]
Control--no treatment [0161] TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0162] TJ1300+TJ
Micromix--Liquid chelate TJ Micromix+50/50 combination of B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens G1-3
[0163] Result: As shown in Table 13, TJ Micromix liquid and the
combination of TJ Micromix plus TJ 1300 both gave soybean a
significant increase in yield. TJ 1300+TJ Micromix produced an
additional numerical but non significant increase in yield over the
TJ Micromix alone.
[0164] Conclusion: TJ 1300+TJ Micromix is a viable means of
biocontrol deliver on soybean and is a viable means of increasing
the yield of soybean.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 13 Effect of TJ1300 Liquid Biological
Treatment Plus Liquid TJ Micromix Fertilizer on Yield of Soybean
Variety 91B52 Treatment Ratio Location Trial Yield Control 0/0
Groton, SD Liquid TJ 54.2 a Micromix TJ 1300 50/50 Groton, SD
Liquid TJ 60.8 b Micromix TJ1300 + TJ 50/50 Groton, SD Liquid TJ
61.8 b Micromix Micromix CV % 8.92 LSD (0.05) 4.19
Soybean Dry Granule Micro-Nutrient Working Example
[0165] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using the
soybean variety Pioneer 91B52 at a location near Groton, S. Dak.
The purpose of the trial was to compare the compatibility and yield
benefit of the biocontrol preparation TJ1300 in combination with a
dry granule micro-nutrient fertilizer vs. the micro-nutrient
fertilizer alone vs. a control with no micro-nutrient fertilizer.
Soybean yield in bushels per acre was used to measure the treatment
response. The micro-nutrient fertilizer is sold commercially under
the Trademark TJ Micromix.TM.. Biocontrol treatments were prepared
by adding 1.times.10.sup.5 CFU per seed. The seed was planted at a
seeding rate of 175,000 seeds per acre in 30-inch rows in a
randomized, replicated block. TJ Micromix.TM. was applied at a rate
of 20 pounds per acre. Each entry was replicated four times. The
pathogen levels were natural populations at each location. The
entries were as follows: [0166] Control: Maxim [0167] TJ Micromix
[0168] TJ 1300--50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or
1BE and T. virens G1-3 [0169] TJ Micromix+TJ 1300--50/50
combination of B. amyloliquefaciens TJ1000 or 1BE and T. virens
G1-3
[0170] Results: As shown in Table 14, in this trial, the Granular
TJ Micromix produced a significant yield increase compared to the
control. When the seed-applied biocontrol treatment TJ1300 was
applied in combination with the TJ Micromix, the treatment resulted
in a significant increase in yield as compared to the control but
not significantly different from the TJ Micromix application alone.
The yield of the TJ 1300+TJ Micromix was numerically higher.
[0171] Conclusion: TJ 1300 is compatible with micro-nutrient
applications and is a viable tool to increase the yield of
soybean.
TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 14 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment
Plus Dry Granule TJ Micromix Fertilizer on Yield of Soybean Variety
91B52 Treatment Ratio Location Trial Yield Control 0/0 Groton, SD
TJ Micro 54.2 a TJ Micromix 0/0 Groton, SD TJ Micro 61.6 b Granule
TJ 1300 50/50 Groton, SD TJ Micro 62.5 b TJ 1300 + TJ 50/50 Groton,
SD TJ Micro 63.3 b Micromix CV % 8.92 LSD (0.05) 4.19
Spring Wheat Working Example
[0172] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted using
Russ Spring wheat at a location near Kensal, N. Dak. The purpose of
the trial was to test biocontrol TJ 1300 on spring wheat against an
untreated control. The biocontrol TJ 1300 was applied to the seed
so as to achieve an application rate of 2.5.times.10.sup.9 CFU per
acre. The plot was planted in a randomized, replicated block design
with each entry replicated three times.
[0173] Result: As shown in Table 15, the entry TJ 1300 produced a
non-significant yield increase. The conclusion was that TJ 1300 may
be of value as a seed treatment on wheat.
TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 15 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment
Plus Fertilizer on Russ Spring Wheat Treatment Ratio Location Trial
Yield Control 0/0 Kensal, MM 43.8 ND 1300 50/50 Kensal, MM 44.0 ND
CV % 7.52 LSD (0.05) NS
Field Peas Working Example
[0174] Materials and Methods: A field trial was conducted to
compare the biocontrol treatment TJ 1300 to a non-treated control
on field peas. The seed was treated with the biocontrol agent to
achieve an application of 2.5.times.10.sup.9 CFU per acre. Yield
response was measured as pounds per acre.
[0175] Results: As shown in Table 16, the entry TJ 1300 produced a
non-significant yield increase in field peas. The conclusion was
that TJ 1300 may be an effective tool to increase the yield of
field peas.
TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 16 Effect of TJ1300 Biological Seed Treatment
on Yield of Integra Field Pea Test Treatment Ratio Rep Location
Trial Yield weight Control 0/0 Ave of 3 Carrington, Pea 3590.0 62.9
ND 1300 50/50 Ave of 3 Carrington, Pea 3613.0 63.5 ND CV % 7 0.5
LSD (0.05) ns Ns
Increased Manganese Uptake Working Example
[0176] A surprising aspect of the subject invention is that plants
that grow from seeds treated with the disclosed combination
experience increased uptake of manganese. The protective nature of
increased manganese uptake is documented in Project S-269:
Biological Control and Management of Soilborne Plant Pathogens for
Sustainable Crop Production, 5.sup.th International Conference on
the Biogeochemistry of Trace Elements. Jul. 11-15 1999. Vienna,
Austria, p. 1086-1087. Dr. Don Huber of Purdue University has
documented the connection between an imbalance in the ratio of
nitrogen to manganese and the incidence of stalk rot in corn.
(Huber D. 2000. "Hidden Hunger" threatens many crops. Purdue News.
Online at WWW URL
purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/0012.Huber.deficiency.html or
news.uns.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/0012.Huber.deficiency.html
[0177] The disclosed combination of Trichoderma virens and Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens for the purpose of plant pathogen control and
increased plant yield thus has unexpected characteristics. The
first is the fact that the combination produces an increase in
yield, not just plant protection from the pathogen. Plant tissue
analysis from test plots presented in Tables 17 and 18 below show
an unexpected trend toward higher nutrient intake of a nutrient,
manganese.
[0178] The treatments that produced the surprising results shown in
Table 17 are defined as follows: [0179] bs-unt-bt=Brookings, S.
Dak. location-no treatment on the seed-Bt variety of corn [0180]
bs-max-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-chemical fungicide Maxim on
the seed-Bt variety of corn [0181] bs-1000-bt=Brookings, S. Dak.
location-Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 on the seed-Bt variety
[0182] bs-0300-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-Trichoderma virens
G1-3 on the seed-Bt variety of corn [0183] bs-1300-bt=Brookings, S.
Dak. location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 and T. virens G1-3 (1 to
1 ratio) on the seed-Bt variety of corn [0184]
bs-1310-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000
and T. virens G1-3 (7 to 3 ratio) on the seed-Bt variety of corn
[0185] bs-66/300-bt=Brookings, S. Dak. location-B. lentimorbus and
T. virens G1-3 (1 to 1 ratio) on the seed-Bt variety of corn The
term "Bt" is defined as: A corn hybrid that has been genetically
modified by the insertion of a gene from the bacteria Bacillus
thuringiensis. The inserted gene produces a protein that will kill
European corn bore that feed on the plant tissue.
TABLE-US-00018 [0185] TABLE 17 Effects of Treatments on Plant
Mineral Content on Bt Variety of Corn at Brookings SD Location
Concentration Treatment N P K Mg Ca S Na Fe Mn B Cu Zn bs-unt-bt
3.43 0.39 1.65 0.66 1.11 0.29 0.003 110 105 17 18 32 bs-max-bt 3.42
0.43 2.10 0.56 0.91 0.27 0.005 117 91 14 18 29 bs-1000-bt 3.44 0.40
2.10 0.52 0.86 0.24 0.004 96 91 12 13 25 bs-300-bt 3.38 0.41 2.02
0.58 1.00 0.27 0.004 97 98 12 14 25 bs-1300-bt 3.36 0.43 1.89 0.66
1.11 0.27 0.004 118 134 13 16 28 bs-1310-bt 3.45 0.41 1.69 0.59
1.02 0.25 0.004 182 106 16 15 27 bs-66/300-bt 3.30 0.42 2.19 0.58
1.04 0.27 0.004 112 107 16 15 29
[0186] The treatments that produced the surprising results in Table
18 are defined as follows: [0187] bl-unt-non=Brookings location-no
treatment on the seed-non Bt variety of corn (non Bt can also be
described as: non genetically modified) [0188] bl-max-non=Brookings
location-chemical fungicide Maxim on the seed-non Bt variety of
corn [0189] bl-1000-non=Brookings location-Bacillus
amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 on the seed-non Bt variety of corn [0190]
bl-300-non=Brookings location-Trichoderma virens G1-3 on the
seed-non Bt variety of corn [0191] bl-1300-non=Brookings
location-B. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 and T. virens G1-3 on the
seed (1 to 1 ratio)-non Bt variety of corn (one of the claimed
combinations) [0192] bl-1310-non=Brookings location-B.
amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 and T. virens G1-3 on the seed (7 to 3
ratio)-non Bt variety of corn [0193] bl-66/300-non=Brookings
location-B. lentimorbus and T. virens G1-3 on the seed (1 to 1
ratio)-non Bt variety of corn
TABLE-US-00019 [0193] TABLE 18 Effects of Treatments on Plant
Mineral Content on Non Bt Variety of Corn at Brookings SD Location
Concentration Treatment N P K Mg Ca S Na Fe Mn B Cu Zn bl-unt-non
3.33 0.39 1.93 0.55 0.85 0.21 0.005 76 103 12 13 24 bl-max-non 3.28
0.48 2.39 0.62 0.92 0.24 0.007 101 116 12 15 28 bl-1000-non 3.14
0.51 2.39 0.64 0.95 0.25 0.008 103 115 12 15 26 bl-300-non 3.19
0.48 2.21 0.65 0.93 0.24 0.009 95 99 15 15 24 bl-1300-non 3.38 0.48
2.43 0.60 0.96 0.25 0.006 111 137 13 15 26 bl-1310-non 3.21 0.46
2.18 0.68 1.03 0.26 0.007 108 117 18 16 25 bl-66/300-non 3.23 0.43
1.96 0.61 0.86 0.23 0.009 93 95 11 13 25
[0194] Manganese is known in the art as a disease prevention
micronutrient. However, if manganese is added to fertilizer and
applied to corn, the expected result is a decrease in yield. The
significance of the subject invention is that it increases the
manganese content of the corn plant while increasing yield.
Furthermore, the increase in the manganese content in the plant
does not occur with either organism alone or when the Trichoderma
virens is combined with a different organism (e.g., treatment
66/300) or the formulation of the mixture is altered (e.g.,
treatment 1310). This increase in manganese content of the plant
tissue is documented in tables 1 and 2 above on Bt (genetically
modified) corn and conventional (non-genetically modified) corn.
Tissue analysis of the corn in the charts above was done after the
silking and pollination of the corn, documenting that this increase
in manganese continues into the late stages of growth. Late season
intake is significant because the lack of manganese in the plant is
implicated in mid to late season stalk rot.
[0195] Data from disclosed combinations of the Trichoderma with
other bacteria strains show that other combinations tested did not
increase the manganese levels to the level of the present
invention. It is surprising that neither organism alone increased
the manganese level in the tissue of the corn. Only seed treatment
with the claimed combination of the T. virens G1-3 fungus and the
B. amyloliquefaciens bacterium increase the manganese level in the
tissue of both the Bt and non-Bt corn.
Consistency of Increased Yield Working Example
[0196] Another surprising aspect of the subject invention is
unexpected consistency of increased yield: (1) consistency compared
to either organism alone, in that our field trial results show the
claimed combination to be significantly higher in yield over the
control in both individual locations and multiple location and
either organism alone did not produce a significant yield response
over the control; (2) consistency across geography, in that the
field trial results show the combination to be effective in a
number of geographies from North Dakota to Arizona; and (3)
consistency of higher yield in a more than one crop, in that the
field data collected on corn, soybeans, sunflowers and wheat show
significant increased in yield with the claimed combination. Field
trial results are presented in the above working examples. The
results of those field trials produced a surprisingly consistent
yield response, and consistency is what is commercially
important.
[0197] The disclosed combination of microorganisms gives more
consistent yield response than either microorganism alone. The
claimed combination produces a consistent increase in yield over a
range of conditions while alone the microorganisms do not. The data
in the patent application show this, but the data presented in
Table 19 below that was produced at the experiment station in
Carrington, N. Dak. show this effect.
TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 19 Consistency of Yield Response 2000 2001
2002 3 YR Control 96.9 146 87.7 110.2 Bacillus 93.3 150 94.9 112.7
T. virens 94.7 162 88.5 115.1 QuickRoot 105.6 156 90.4 117.3 1310
89.5 151 88.5 109.6
In Table 19, the treatments are defined as follows: [0198]
Control=chemical fungicide Maxim [0199] Bacillus=B.
amyloliquefaciens alone [0200] T. virens=T. virens G1-3 alone
[0201] Quick Root=QuickRoots.TM. is the product name of the claimed
combination of T. virens G1-3 and B. amyloliquefaciens [0202]
1310=T. virens G1-3 and B. amyloliquefaciens at a 7:3 ratio.
[0203] The column headings in Table 19 denote the year of the trial
with "3YR" indicating the average treatment response for the
combined three years. Note that in 2000, seed treatment with the
individual organisms alone (the individual components of the
claimed combination) produced yields that were less than control.
In 2001, seed treatment with individual organisms both produced
yields that were greater than the control as did the claimed
combination. In 2002, seed treatment with the individual organisms
produced yields that were greater than the control and again the
claimed combination increased yield as well.
[0204] The North Dakota data presented in Table 19 document
consistency in two of ways. First, in reviewing year 2000 data,
neither the Bacillus bacteria (1000) seed treatment nor the
Trichoderma fungi (G1-3) seed treatment by themselves produced a
positive yield response; but the claimed combination did produce a
positive response. Two negative responses added together do not
produce a positive. Synergism is what creates positive response
from two negatives. In years 2001 and 2002, the performance of
treatments with the bacteria and the fungi traded places as the top
seat while the performance of the claimed combination performed
between treatments with the individual components. Overall, the
consistent performance of the claimed combination gave the largest
yield advantage because of consistency of response. These data are
from the same location; only weather changed from season to season.
The Bacillus alone seed treatment did not perform well at all in
the average and the Trichoderma alone seed treatment only averaged
well because it had one great performance out of three.
[0205] Presented in Table 20 is a compilation of data from three
years of field trials, 63 entries, at 12 locations. The test plots
were located at North Dakota State University, University of
Arizona, and Colorado State University. This compilation clearly
shows the 50/50 combination of B. amyloliquefaciens+T. virens (one
of the claimed combinations) produces a significantly higher yield
than the control and than either organism alone. It should be noted
that while the individual components show a numerical increase in
yield, it is a non-significant increase at a 0.05 rejection level
while the claimed combination is significant at a 0.05 rejection
level.
TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 20 QuickRoots .TM. Effect on Corn Yield in
Replicated Field Trials. 3 Year Average Evaluating QuickRoots
.TM./Maxim vs. Maxim Treatment Moisture Yield Pricing Advantage
Control 17.5 154.77 $300.25 B. amyloliquefaciens 17.5 158.7 $307.88
$7.62 alone T. virens alone 17.4 158.81 $308.57 $8.31 B.
amyloliquefaciens + 17.5 161.62 $313.54 $13.29 T. virens combined
50/50 Mean 17.5 158.88 $307.56 CV (%) 23.3 21.7 LSD (0.05) .sup.
.19(NS) 5.05
Corn Variety NK 2555 Treatment with Other Strains Working
Example
[0206] Materials and Methods: For these studies Trichoderma virens
G1-21 (an isolate that is commercially available from Thermo
Trilogy Corporation) and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens
FZB24 (a strain that is commercially available from Earth
Biosciences, Inc.) were selected. The plot entries (treatments)
were as follows: [0207] Treatment A--Control (MAXIM, industry
standard fungicide seed treatment) [0208] Treatment B--T. virens
G1-3+Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 [0209]
Treatment C--T. virens G1-21+Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 [0210] Treatment D--T. virens
G1-3+Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 [0211]
Treatment E--T. virens G1-21+Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens FZB24
[0212] The treatments were applied to corn seed (NK 2555) at equal
rates of at least 1.times.10.sup.6 fungal spores and
1.times.10.sup.6 bacterial spores per seed. Previous field trials
had confirmed that Treatment B produced an unexpected synergism
that consistently and significantly increased yield in plants. The
follow up field trials were conducted with the same test protocol
as the initial trials and set up as a randomized--replicated
block.
[0213] Results: Presented in Table 21 are the results of this
trial. In this trial, all of the T. virens--Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens combinations produced a numerically positive
response. These results gave strong indication that combinations of
T. virens and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens produce a
synergistic effect that is similar to that discovered when
Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 were combined and placed in the vicinity
of the seed.
TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 21 Treatment of Corn Variety NK 2555 with
Other Strains and Isolates Treatment Test Weight Moisture Yield A
55.9 21.8 173.6 B 56.9 20.4 177.2 C 56.9 20.3 183.2 D 56.3 20.9
181.1 E 55.7 20.6 182.2 C.V. 5.4 LSD .05 16.3
Corn Variety NK 3030 Bt Treatment with Other Strains Working
Example
[0214] This trial compared the treatment of Trichoderma virens G1-3
and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 vs.
Trichoderma virens GL-21 and Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens FZB24 vs. a control (Maxim, industry standard
fungicide seed treatment).
Plot entries were as follows: [0215] Treatment A--Control (MAXIM,
industry standard fungicide seed treatment) [0216] Treatment B--T.
virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000
[0217] Treatment C--T. virens G1-21 and Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens FZB24
[0218] Materials and Methods: Corn seed (NK 3030 Bt) was treated at
the same rate of Bacillus and Trichoderma as in the previous
working example and the seed was planted in a
randomized--replicated block design.
[0219] Results: Presented in Table 22 are the results of this
trial. In this trial, the yields of Treatments B and C were
significantly greater than the control. Treatment B was numerically
superior to Treatment C but not significantly. The results of this
trial also indicated that other combinations of T. virens and
Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens can be expected to show a
synergistic response.
TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 22 Treatment of Corn Variety NK 3030 Bt with
Other Strains and Isolates Treatment Test Weight Moisture Yield A
52.5 21.5 172.1 B 54.6 21.5 210.0 C 55.3 21.6 192.8 C.V. 8.09 LSD
.05 19.43
Combined Trials with Other Strains Working Example
[0220] This example compared the same treatments as the previous
working example, which were as follows: Trichoderma virens G1-3 and
Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 vs. Trichoderma
virens G1-21 and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24 vs.
a control (MAXIM). This trial differed from the previous working
example because it compared 43 entries from 12 locations and 6
different corn hybrids. Plot entries were as follows: [0221]
Treatment A--Control (MAXIM, industry standard fungicide seed
treatment) [0222] Treatment B--T. virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis
var. amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000 [0223] Treatment C--T. virens G1-21
and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24
[0224] Materials and Methods: Seed was treated the same as in the
previous two trials and each location was randomized and
replicated.
[0225] Results: Presented in Table 23 are the results of this
trial. This trial used a larger data set and revealed that the
yield increase with the originally discovered combination of
Treatment B (Trichoderma virens G1-3 and Bacillus subtilis var.
amyloliquefaciens TJ 1000) is significantly greater than the
control while the yield increase with Treatment C (T. virens G1-21
and Bacillus subtilis var. amyloliquefaciens FZB24) is not
significantly greater, even at the 0.20 rejection level. However,
Treatment C did not show a numerical yield decrease nor did it show
a significant yield decrease compared to the control. A yield
decrease compared to the control would most likely have occurred if
the microorganisms in the combination were antagonistic to each
other. This result clearly showed that the original discovery
(Treatment B) was superior to the Treatment C. The result also
showed that Treatment C is a potentially beneficial treatment.
TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 23 Treatment with Other Strains and Isolates
Treatment Yield in Bushels per Acre A 153.84 B 160.63 C 156.36 C.V.
3.42 LSD .20 4.4
[0226] Many variations of the invention will occur to those skilled
in the art. Some variations include non-competitive culturing of
the biocontrol organisms. Other variations call for competitive
culturing. All such variations are intended to be within the scope
and spirit of the invention.
* * * * *