Antagonistic microorganisms and medium moisture as possible sources of variation in common bunt (Tilletia tritici) incidence

Abstract

Antagonistic soil microorgan isms decreased the germination of Tilletia tritici teliosporcs in dependence on the concentration of three formulations (Polyversum®, Supresivit® and lbefunginused and added in or on water agar. A higher content of water in the agar also decreased the germination, and water d rops on the agar surface inhibited it entirely. The presence and concentration of antagonistic microorganisms and soil moisture can vary in the soil and it is supposed that this may cause the variation in bunt incidence in field. This variation has to be taken into consideration in particular in variety trials. Polyversum® decreased the incidence of bunt in a field trial (efficacy 60%).

Keywords

• tilletia tritici
• pythium oligandrum
• trichoderma har::ianum
• bacillus subtilis
• water agar assays
• field trials