Population Dynamics of Ice Nucleation Active Bacteria on Prunus Persica Cultivars

Populations of ice nucleation active (INA) strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas syringae, and Erwinia herbicola were assayed on four peach cultivars of known hardiness including Redhaven, Elberta, Loring, and Belle of Georgia. The addition of 0.85% NaCl to 0.1 M phosphate buffer (ph 7.0) containing 0.1% peptone was necessary for bacterial survival during the leaf washing process. Ice nucleation at -5 C was best detected from colonies grown on nutrient agar supplemented with 2.5% glycarol. Seasonal variations in populations of total and INA bacterial were observed over a ten week period with maximum populations at bud break followed by a gradual decline. A new INA species, Serratia liquifaciens was identified. The INA species were isolated in the following proportions: P. fluorescens 42%, P. syringae 24%, E. herbicola 19%, and S. liquifaciens 15%. Peach cultivar hardness is independent of INA bacterial concentration.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

1986

Author dc:creator

• Mashburn, Donna Denise

Contributors dc:contributor

• Christopher Field

• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• © Donna Denise Mashburn

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/66

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1067