Microbial Antagonists of Bipolaris maydis

Abstract

Microorganisms antagonistic to B. maydis in culture were isolated from B. maydis conidia and lesions on maize [Zea mays] leaves. When B. maydis conidia and cells of 1 bacterium, AN771, were mixed prior to inoculation, southern maize leaf blight was controlled in greenhouse tests. Disease control was 86-100% when > 108 cells/ml of AN771 were used, but it was < 50% with < 2.2 .times. 107 cells/ml. Bacterium AN771 inhibited germination of B. maydis conidia and germ tube growth in culture and on maize leaves. Most AN771 cells died when the leaf dried.