Influence of serratia marcescens TRS-1 on growth promotion and induction of resistance in camellia sinensis against fomes lamaoensis

Abstract

Serratia marcescens (TRS-1), either as aqueous suspensions or in bioformulations of sawdust, rice husk and tea waste, promoted growth in tea seedlings as evidenced by increase in height, emergence of new leaves and branches, as well as increase in leaf biomass. Survival of S. marcescens in soil after application was determined by ELISA and Dot-Blot using PAb raised against the bacterium. S. marcescens solubilized phosphate in vitro and in vivo. Following application of the bacterium, soil P content decreased, root and leaf phosphate increased, and soil phosphatase activities were enhanced. The bacterium was antagonistic to a number of fungal pathogens in vitro. It also reduced brown root rot of tea caused by Fomes lamaoensis. Significant increase in phenolics, as well as peroxidase, chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, were observed in tea plants on application of S. marcescens alone or followed by F. lamaoensis. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.