Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Biology
Supervisor
Dr. George Lazarovits
Second Advisor
Dr. Kenneth Conn
Third Advisor
Dr. Perveiz Abbasi
Abstract
Burkholderia phytofιrmans strain PsJN has been demonstrated to consistently promote plant growth under tissue culture conditions. The response of inoculated plants, however, can be highly variable under greenhouse or field conditions. In this study I set out to systematically examine how bacterial root colonization affects plant growth promotion. To achieve that goal, the regular potato explant bioassay was modified for better accuracy and efficiency and a genetically modified strain of PsJN was created with the gfp gene integrated into the genome for quantitative detection. Using competitions by a non-plant-growth-promoting mutant or a non-related bacterium Delftia acidovorans, PsJN’s population was manipulated in explants and results consistently showed a positive relationship between the extent of growth promotion by PsJN and the initial bacterial population established on the bioassay system, the roots, or the stems. This study also examined the possibility of using other microorganisms to enhance PsJN’s ability to promote plant growth.
Recommended Citation
Xu, Li, "ROOT COLONIZATION OF Burkholderia phytoβrmans STRAIN PsJN AND ITS RELATION TO THE BACTERIAL PLANT GROWTH PROMOTING ABILITY" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4722.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4722