Identification of Phytopathogenic Bacteria and Their Relationship with Maize Seed Germination

Abstract

In Nicaragua, corn is produced mainly by small and medium producers, part of the production is destined for commerce and the rest is destined as seed (planting), however, production is affected by problems caused by pathogens, particularly the group of the bacteria. This research was developed with the objective of identifying genera and species of phytobacteria associated with corn seeds and the effect on germination. 50 seed samples provided by the Agricultural Protection and Health Institute were used, which came from the departments of Managua, Chinandega, Matagalpa and León. For the isolation and identification of phytobacteria, the methodology of humid chambers, specific culture media, differentials, phenotypic tests and Koch's postulates were used. Germination tests were carried out on 400 seeds by identified phytobacteria and a control, using the humid chamber technique, to determine the effect of phytobacteria on the seeds and the symptoms observed. 16 isolates of Burkholderia andropogonis (Smith) Gillis et al and one isolate of Pseudomonas syringae Van Hall were obtained. The symptoms caused by Burkholderia andropogonis (Smith) Gillis et al manifested as reddish-brown spots on the leaves and Pseudomonas syringae Van Hall presented symptoms in the form of clear elliptical spots with yellow halos at the tip of the lower leaves. Through the germination test, it was proven that phytobacteria do not affect the germination of corn seeds, but they do affect the growth of seedlings, affecting the true leaves and roots.