Field trial
Trials were performed in a naturally infested field
at L’Assomption (Québec, Canada) in 2000 and in
2001. At planting, a formulation powder (0.5 g) was
added on the top of each tuber (Solanum tuberosum
cv. Shepody). Formulations consisted of one of two
carriers (talc or chitosan) with or without dried biomass
of S. melanosporofaciens EF-76 (1/300 w:w
inoculum/carrier). EF-76 biomass was prepared as follows.
The bacteria were grown 7 – 10 days in a 5 L
reactor, in YME liquid medium supplemented with
10 mM CaCO3. The cultures were centrifuged and
the pellets were freeze-dried for 18 h. An experimental
plot consisted of 4 rows planted with 26 seed