Development of microbial inoculant formulations for controlling wireworms and increasing potato productivity

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Many beneficial bacteria living in the rhizosphere of plants (i.e. the soil in close proximity to roots) can promote plant growth and/or exhibit antimicrobial and insecticidal activity. These organisms are known as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and may belong to different taxonomical groups, including Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. Some strains of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. can stimulate plant growth directly and/or indirectly by various mechanisms. Some of these strains also produce broad spectrum antimicrobial and insecticidal compounds. Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. are ideal candidates for replacing and/or reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as they already take part in the natural equilibrium between plants and the environment, they can be easily cultured and inoculated, and their production cost represents a reasonable alternative to chemical fertilizer and pesticide applications. Among PGPR, phenazine derivative-producers are of high interest due to their broad antagonistic actions against a wide range of pathogens and pests, as well as their plant growth promoting capabilities. Dr. Filion's research team at the Université de Moncton has isolated numerous strains of Pseudomonas sp. producing phenazine-1-carboxylic (PCA) and has extensively characterized these bacteria for their plant growth promoting and biocontrol capabilities. In this project, two promising PCA-producing strains isolated by Dr. Filion's research team, Pseudomonas fluorescens LBUM223 and P. fluorescens LBUM636, which are potato plant growth promoters, will be tested for their capacity at controlling potato wireworms when inoculated alone or in combination with Bacillus spp. strains already commercialized by our commercial partner, Nuvac Eco-science. Wireworms are insects larvae that damage potatoes by creating deep holes when burrowing into tubers while feeding. Developing an environmentally-friendly product to control wireworms, using novel microbial inoculant formulations, will have a positive impact on potato productivity as well as the environment.