Archivio Journal of Plant Pathology

Abstract:

Lactobacillus plantarum strains TC92 and PM411 were able to grow in vitro, and to colonize and survive on pear plants, attaining the same population level either individually or mixed, thus indicating their compatibility. Lactic acid strongly inhibited E. amylovora both in vitro and when applied to plant surfaces, but had no effect on L. plantarum. Both lactic acid or a mixture of strains TC92 and PM411 limited severity of fire blight disease in pear plants. Interestingly, a combination of lactic acid and the two strains increased the efficacy and reliability of biocontrol of fire blight under controlled greenhouse conditions. The present study provides an example of the application of the multibarrier theory in fire blight control for future development of biopesticide formulations of lactic acid bacteria for fire blight management.