First Advisor

Karen Gomez

First Committee Member

Emily Holt

Second Committee Member

Mohamad Chikh-Ali

Degree Name

Master of Science

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

12-2024

Department

College of Natural and Health Sciences, Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Student Work

Abstract

Biofertilizers consist of plant growth-promoting microorganisms that establish symbiotic relationships with plant roots and stems. These beneficial microbes play a crucial role in enhancing plant defenses against various threats including insects, nematodes, and microbial pathogens. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of two fungal biofertilizers (an endophytic strain of Beauveria bassiana (BA) and a mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi), specifically their ability to induce systemic resistance against plant- parasitic nematodes (PPNs) in potatoes (Solanum tuberosum cv. Masquerade) under controlled greenhouse conditions. The study utilized soil collected from Colorado State University’s San Luis Valley (SLV) Research Center where potato tubers exhibited severe symptoms of corky ringspot disease caused by tobacco rattle virus (TRV), which is transmitted by PPNs. Potato tubers were planted in both control soil and SLV soil with and without biofertilizer inoculation. After 12 weeks (approximately three months) of growth, the researchers assessed plant growth parameters and nematode presence. Surprisingly, the SLV soil negatively impacted all measured plant growth parameters. Additionally, the endophytic strain of B. bassiana adversely affected tuber numbers in control soils. These findings highlighted the need for further investigation into the potential use of B. bassiana and AM fungi as biocontrol agents.

Abstract Format

html

Disciplines

Agricultural Science | Apiculture | Botany | Environmental Microbiology and Microbial Ecology | Pathogenic Microbiology | Plant Pathology

Keywords

biofertilizers; nematodes; plant growth-promoting microbes; potatoes

Language

English

Places

Colorado;San Luis Valley; La Salle

Extent

58 pages

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author

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