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Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oils and Trametes versicolor Extract Against Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis and Ralstonia solanacearum for Seed Treatment and Development of a Rapid In Vivo Assay

Summary

This research investigated natural alternatives to chemical treatments for protecting tomato seeds from harmful bacteria. Scientists tested various essential oils and a mushroom extract against two serious bacterial diseases that affect tomatoes worldwide. The study found that several plant-based oils, particularly oregano and cinnamon oil, could effectively control these bacteria without harming the tomato seeds. Impacts on everyday life: • Provides safer, natural alternatives to chemical seed treatments for farmers and gardeners • Helps protect tomato crops from devastating diseases that reduce food production • Supports more sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming practices • Could lead to reduced chemical use in agriculture • May result in healthier, chemical-free produce for consumers

Background

Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) and Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs) are important seed-borne bacterial pathogens of tomato listed as A2 pests in the EPPO region. Cmm causes bacterial canker while Rs causes bacterial wilt, both leading to significant economic losses worldwide. Currently there are limited control strategies available and seed treatment with eco-compatible approaches is encouraged.

Objective

To test the antibacterial efficacy of six essential oils and Trametes versicolor extract against Cmm and Rs, develop a rapid assay to verify seed treatment efficacy using real-time PCR testing of seedlings, and assess the efficacy of cinnamon and oregano essential oils for seed treatment to control Cmm.

Results

All tested compounds showed dose-dependent antibacterial activity against both bacteria. Most oils caused significant growth inhibition at low concentrations (50-150 ppm), except basil which required 800 ppm. The oils showed minimal phytotoxicity on tomato seeds except for clove oil at 0.4%. The molecular assay confirmed the effectiveness of oregano and cinnamon oils as seed treatments against Cmm, reducing bacterial populations below detectable levels in 75% of treated samples.

Conclusion

The essential oils and T. versicolor extract demonstrated promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy and potential for use in seed treatments. The developed molecular test provides a valid rapid screening tool for verifying treatment efficacy in vivo. Further investigations are needed as in vitro effects don’t always translate to in vivo performance.
  • Published in:Antibiotics (Basel),
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/antibiotics9090628
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