Pseudomonas fluorescens SP007S Formulations in Controlling Soft Rot Disease and Promoting Growth in Kale

Kale has gained popularity as a healthy food choice due to its rich nutrient profile. However, kale production systems are also affected by various pests and diseases, especially plant pathogenic bacteria, such as Pectobacterium carotovorum. The purpose of this research was to investigate the biocontrol activity of the Pseudomonas fluorescens strain SP007s and develop a formulation that provides stability, long shelf life, and disease control, as well as promoting growth in kale; we expect this formulation to have further commercial applications in the cultivation of kale. The results indicated that a unique mixture of paper sludge, sugar sludge, and glycerol at 40% relative humidity promoted SP007 survival for 6 months at room temperature (30 & DEG;C) with measures of 5.92 x 10(6) CFU/g. This treatment maintained the control efficacy of P. carotovorum in infected soil within 28 days of soil drenching. We evaluated the SP007s formula for controlling soft rot disease in greenhouse conditions, and our results revealed that it can reduce the disease in kale by 65.2% and promotes growth in terms of canopy width, shoot height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight, and dry weight, which were superior to the control. In addition, the formula can induce the accumulation of endogenous salicylic acid and phenolic compounds, as well as a systemic acquired resistance pathway in the plant defense system. Therefore, the formula of SP007s can be a promising novel biocontrol formula for use in kale production, as it promotes plant growth and acts against P. carotovorum causal soft rot disease.

Automated summary

The research focused on the biocontrol activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens strain SP007s and its formulation for disease control and growth promotion in kale. The results showed that a unique mixture of paper sludge, sugar sludge, and glycerol at 40% relative humidity prolonged the survival of SP007s and effectively controlled P. carotovorum soft rot disease. The formula also promoted growth in terms of canopy width, shoot height, number of leaves per plant, fresh weight, and dry weight.