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Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Micro-cooperators on the lab help explain biofilming. Drink coffee first. LOL

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/10/061024010417.htm

10/27/2006 8:03:41 AM

Utah

who would have thought cheating was such a problem with in the microbe world?

10/27/2006 9:32:12 AM

Deer Park, WI

A logical, yet fascinating discovery on behalf of these researchers. For those who understand the value of microbial biofilms and their ability to competively inhibit potential pathogens, this becomes a valid point to consider. However, from a practical, pumpkin grower's perspective, this begs the question...how do we maximize diversity within our compost piles, the rhizosphere, and even the phyllosphere? Methinks a market niche for microbial innoculants, beyond mycorrhizal fungi, may not be too far off!

10/28/2006 7:44:39 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We sell microbial inoculants now Joe. These are packaged for soils but we are seeing more Compost Tea users adding bacterial inoculants to their foliar sprays. Does this help create a viable biofilm? I can't say for sure. But adding biodiversity can't hurt as these researchers have discovered.

Other researchers are finding that Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pantoea agglomerans & Bacillus subtilis cocktail are controlling bacterial (fire blight) infections at least as well as copper fungicides.

Search "P. fluorescens EPS62e" among others.

I'll wager that a biological inoculant & Compost Tea foliar spray offers a much lower risk of injury to plants & applicators than a Kocide spray. If results are attainable then I'm all for it.

10/28/2006 9:08:25 PM

Follansbee, Wv

Ahh, but let us not forget Joe, the biofilm will be effective only as long as the leaf surface holds it. I wonder what happens once the water dries off the leaf. If the bacteria survive (doubtfull) or if their carcasses (for lack of a better term) could still inhibit pathogenic growth the entire science of CT would be a hot topic for experimentation. But consider this: those that utilize some form of CT repeatedly report lower instances of airborn diesease pressure ie...PM. Is it not possible that the biofilm theory is already being put to the test, and we just never knew it?

10/29/2006 11:35:11 AM

Deer Park, WI

Monty- These are great considerations you bring up. Unfortunately I do not know enough about phyllosphere microbiology to offer an educated comment to your concern, but clearly the CTs are making some sort of enhancement to plant immunity, what role a biofilm plays I do not know.

Here's what appears to be a fascinating read, sadly i do not have the 69!! clams right now to snag it...
http://www.shopapspress.org/phylmic.html

Steve- do you have a product name i can lookup?

10/29/2006 4:00:09 PM