ARS | Publication request: Population Dynamics of the Fusarium Head Blight Biocontrol Agent Cryptococcus Nodaensis OH182.9 on Wheat

Submitted to: National Fusarium Head Blight Forum Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract
Publication Acceptance Date: December 15, 2003
Publication Date: December 15, 2003
Citation: Core, A.B., Schisler, D.A., Hicks, T.E., Zhang, S., Lipps, P.E., Boehm, M.J. 2003. Population dynamics of the fusarium head blight biocontrol agent Cryptococcus nodaensis OH182.9 on wheat. In: Proceedings of the National Fusarium Head Blight Forum, December 13-15, 2003, Bloomington, MN. p. 61.

Technical Abstract: Cryptococcus nodaensis OH182.9 is a naturally occurring wheat anther colonist. Application of OH182.9 to wheat at anthesis reduced Fusarium head blight (FHB) severity by 56% and doubled 100-kernel weight in field trials. Confirmation of the ability of OH182.9 to survive on wheat heads prior to anthesis would support the possibility of applying OH182.9 earlier in crop development without sacrifice to efficacy. Biomass of OH182.9 was produced in liquid culture and applied to field and greenhouse grown wheat just prior to and during early anthesis. Populations of OH182.9 on extruded anthers were monitored for 10-12 days after application and on kernels harvested from treated heads. Significant populations of OH182.9 were recovered from all treated plants indicating that OH182.9 is able to survive in the absence of anthers. A significant increase in OH182.9 populations 4-8 days after application was observed suggesting that OH182.9 reproduced on the head. OH182.9 was recovered on kernels of treated wheat.