First Report of Physico-Chemical Agents of Viable But Non Culturable (VBNC) forms of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum

Abstract

The germicidal efficacy of various physico-chemical agents against culturable bacterial cells and bacterial spores is well studied and reviewed; except for the dormant Viable But Non Culturable state (VBNCs). VBNC is a special physiological state, where the bacterium is not culturable in culture media, but remains alive, infective and virulent. The aim of this study is to evaluate the germicidal efficacy of three physico-chemical agents against the VBNC forms of destructive phytopathogen Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum. Effect of thermotherapy Formalin and Sodium Hypochlorite on these forms was evaluated using standard plate count and reverse culturability tests. The disinfectants were found equally effective against the culturable cells and VBNC forms at recommended concentrations.