Development of bacteria formulations for seed coating and
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet - Institutionen för kemi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 3 191 887 |
| Project duration | September 2013 - September 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The overall purpose of the project has been to gain insight into the interaction between biocontrol microorganisms and mineral nanoparticles and use it to produce nano formulations for seed cultivation. Sub-goals included evaluation of a liquid and solid formulation as well as a test for the treatment of flowering plants. New insights have been produced for the interaction of bacteria with the particles and biocompatible materials have been developed. Coating with positive bioeffect could be carried out. Only dry formulation on seeds has shown stability (at cold storage).
Expected long term effects
New mineral nano formulations were developed and shown to be fully biocompatible for 2 strains of microorganisms known for positive bioeffects. The encapsulation was effective for gram-positive species due to the interaction of particles with teichoic acid in cell membrane. A shell of particles was formed around the cell. Survival of encapsulated cells in wet formulation did not increase significantly contrary to expectations. Dry formulation with biopolymer alginate showed good stability and survival when stored in cold. Positive bioeffects were proved in the lab and in fields.
Approach and implementation
Implementation was according to the plan: first a larger number of strains delivered by AIT were evaluated for survival on encapsulation. The formulations were optimized for 2 most suitable strains. The positive effects of biocontrol on corn, rapeseed and beans in cold stress and drought were evaluated and could be confirmed. Lab level upscaling was carried out and the formulations were used in 3 field studies - spraying of flowers and 2 experiments on planting of coated seeds. The first coincided with morning frost and confirmed tolerance to cold. Biomass increase prevailed in both.