IHPS Starts Biocontrol Trials Against Verticillium nonalfalfae on Hop Plants
The Slovenian Institute of Hop Research and Brewing has started the trials to determine the efficacy of biocontrol agents against Verticillium nonalfalfae on hop plants.
The assays consist of inoculation of selected bacteria, including various strains of Streptomyces, by root dipping and subsequently planting in V. nonalfalfae-infected soil. Liquid cultures of the selected biocontrol agents are prepared in the laboratory, applied to hop plants by root dipping, and then transplanted into infected soil that is mixed with wood chips. Sporulated mycelium of Streptomyces biocontrol agents is also added in the proximity of the root system. The plants are then grown in a controlled growth chamber where their response to the pathogen is monitored over time.
