Utilization of anthranilate in control of Pythium damping-off in horticultural crops

The potential of anthranilate in the control of Pythium-induced damping-off in horticultural crops was investigated under gnotobiotic conditions. Mutational studies of P. aeruginosa PNA1 led us to identify anthranilate as an antifungal compound active against Pythium species. Anthranilate inhibited growth of the Pythium species in vitro and a 50% growth inhibition was observed at the concentration of 30 μg/ml of anthranilate in GCY medium. The addition of anthranilate at 50 μg/g of potting mix protected lettuce, tomato and beans in vivo against Pythium-induced damping-off. In view of rapid germination of Pythium sporangia in response to seed or root exudates and followed by immediate infection, the use of anthranilate in the suppression of damping-off was investigated.