Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Award Date
1977
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department / School
Agronomy
Abstract
Of twenty Bacillus species tested, only five were capable of I vitro inhibition of several wheat pathogens. The mode of inhibition of these five Bacillus species was due to the production of an extra cellular peptide antibiotic which caused disruption of the plasma membrane. Various other physical and chemical characteristics of the antibiotics were also investigated. When applied as seed treatments on spring wheat, the five Bacillus species did not produce significant yield differences. Low soil temperatures at spring wheat planting may have been responsible for the failure of response. The five Bacillus species, B. subtilis var. niger (originally received as B. globigii), B. subtilis, B. polymyxa, B. thuringiensis subsp. Sotto and B. sibtilis (originally received as B. uniflaellatus) required a temperature of 14 C or higher to grow and a temperature of 16 C or higher to produce their antibiotic(s). Our results also indicated that six phytopathogentic organisms, used as test organisms, are capable of growth at temperatures of 10 and 12 C. Soil temperatures at spring wheat planting time are generally 7-10 C and may be too low to allow for Bacillus success as a biocontrol agent.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Wheat -- Diseases and pests
Pests -- Biological control
Bacillus (Bacteria)
Soil microbiology
Format
application/pdf
Number of Pages
72
Publisher
South Dakota State University
Recommended Citation
Lengkeek, Venance H., "The Investigation of Several Species of Bacillus to Determine their Potential as Biocontrol Organisms on Wheat" (1977). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 5610.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/5610