Synthetic seeds of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cv “Granola” as an effective biocontrol system to control Erwinia carotovora

Bacterial pathogen Erwinia carotovora pose a huge threat to potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivation. Intensive usage of fungicides to control diseases in potato alters the Rhizospheric microflora balance. Attempts to control Erwinia carotovora without applying chemical pesticides hasn’t been clearly employed in practical circumstances. This study aimed to produce an effective biocontrol system by the introduction of antagonistic rhizobacteria through synthetic seed which is encapsulated somatic embryo. First attempt was made in this study to develop an efficient protocol for the production of somatic embryo of potato. Therefore nodal and leaf explants from 4 week old in-vitro plants used to produce somatic embryos. Callus induction media were employed to produce callus and four week old calli were transferred to embryonic media to induce somatic embryos. Explants produced proembryos in adaxial surface of leaf calli. Embryogenic calli were left further development. These results yielded promising results for producing synthetic seeds. In other hand eighteen species of Bacillus and Pseudomonas were isolated to screen and inoculate for the purpose of producing a bio-control system to control Erwinia carotovora in potato. Eleven isolates showed significant level of inhibition in fifth day in dual culture. Bacillus spp. E3 showed significant inhibition from second day after inoculation and had a highest of 34.2% in day five. Bacillus spp. J2 promoted the growth of Erwinia carotovora. These significant results will support to develop a precise medium for efficient somatic embryogenesis of potato cv.“granola” and to exploit the possibilities of biological control of Erwinia carotovora of potato using antagonistic rhizobacteria through synthetic seeds of potato. Exploiting the roles of isolated rhizobacteria could help to improve the plant welfare and environment. Keywords: Solanum tuberosum, Somatic embryogenesis, Synthetic seeds, Erwinia carotovora, Biocontrol