Strategies for administration of biosurfactant-producing pseudomonads for biocontrol in closed hydroponic systems

Zoospore-producing oomycetes are major plant pathogens of particular concern in hydroponic systems. Compared with pesticides, biocontrol using antagonistic microorganisms is a sustainable approach to control oomycetes. Previous research has demonstrated that biosurfactants and biosurfactant-producing microorganisms are potentially useful components of a sustainable biocontrol strategy.In this study three ways of supplying a biosurfactant-producing strain to a recirculating hydroponic cultivation system infected with a zoospore-producing plant pathogen were evaluated. The strain Pseudomonas koreensis 2.74 was added as washed cells, in its spent KB broth or in a minimal medium adapted from the nutrient solution, and compared with control treatments. A significant reduction in disease with up to 50% was achieved when a high concentration of washed cells was added weekly to the plant cultivation system. The disease suppression obtained through addition of washed cells equalled the effect achieved when the purified biosurfactant was used. Phytotoxicity was observed when the spent broth was included in the treatment.

► Zoospore-producing oomycetes are major plant pathogens in recirculating hydroponics.
► Biosurfactant-producing microorganisms are useful in a biocontrol strategy.
► A complete disease reduction was obtained by addition of washed cells (log 7 cfu/ml).
► Phytotoxicity was observed when the spent broth was included in the treatment.