Update:
We have finished the analysis of all microplot data. Over 600 microplots were used in our study across three growing seasons using 15 different treatments. We have tested individual and combinations of Pseudomonas for SCN control. We have found that even though modest SCN control was obtained (15-25% reduction), the level of control was deemed not enough to warrant development of a commercial product. We also continued mode of action studies for our Pseudomonas. One area we are currently exploring is whether some of our SCN-active strains produced volatiles that are toxic to nematodes. Experiments are focused on testing whether addition of substrates for volatile production leads to improved volatile activity. We have identified that hydrogen cyanide and methane thiols (and related compounds) were produced by our nematode-active Pseudomonas and that these volatiles can impact plant-pathogenic nematode and fungi. Current work is focused on examining how to boost production of these volatiles in the soil to help reduce nematode numbers.
We have finished the analysis of all microplot data. Over 600 microplots were used in our study across three growing seasons using 15 different treatments. We have tested individual and combinations of Pseudomonas for SCN control. We have found that even though modest SCN control was obtained (15-25% reduction), the level of control was deemed not enough to warrant development of a commercial product. We also continued mode of action studies for our Pseudomonas. One area we are currently exploring is whether some of our SCN-active strains produced volatiles that are toxic to nematodes. Experiments are focused on testing whether addition of substrates for volatile production leads to improved volatile activity. We have identified that hydrogen cyanide and methane thiols (and related compounds) were produced by our nematode-active Pseudomonas and that these volatiles can impact plant-pathogenic nematode and fungi. Current work is focused on examining how to boost production of these volatiles in the soil to help reduce nematode numbers.