Introduction

Process for the production of micropropagated seedlings treated with microorganisms able to exert phytostimulant and biocontrol activities such as to favour a better condition of the plants propagated in vitro and subsequently their better adaptation to the cultivation conditions in vivo.
Numerous microorganisms beneficial to plants (Agrobacterium, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Erwinia, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, Streptomyces, Actinomyces, and Azospìrìllum) are known to be growth promoters and/or biocontrol agents. Their use in the production of micropropagated plants is innovative, considering that in vitro propagation requires aseptic conditions.

Technical features

Bacterial formulation, based on Azospirillum brasilense, used to multiply healthy, genetically uniform plants in large quantities. The formulation consists of gram-negative bacteria, which live in the rhizosphere of many plants and positively influence their growth, especially the root system, through the production of plant hormone-like substances (cytokinins, auxins and gibberellins) and processes such as the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, thus making it assimilable by the plant. The method is very useful in cloning genetically improved species that can be used to increase agricultural and forestry productivity. It can be used for propagation applications in: in vitro procedures, including the subsequent acclimatisation phase (post vitro), in seedbeds, in protected cultures, in hydroponics, with nursery techniques in general. The application of microorganisms in a controlled manner, following the proposed methodology, can usefully counteract the problems of micropropagation, guaranteeing a) the obtainment of more vigorous plants and greater protection from pathogen attack in the subsequent growth phases, b) significant increases in biomass and the reduction of traditional fertilisers.

Possible Applications

• Processes for biofertilisation and bioprotection of plant material;
• Methods applicable in in vitro propagation laboratories, in commercial enterprises;
• Development of products for agriculture and in nurseries;
• Methods for application to protected crops.

Advantages

• Reduction use of chemicals/pesticides;
• Increased production, the technique allows overcoming the dormant state of the vegetative apex;
• Rapid achievement of commercial size;
• Increased production efficiency of the in vitro propagation technique.