Mark Mazzola checks a DNA sequence from streptomyces, a soil bacterium that induces plant defense responses. The growth of streptomyces is stimulated by seed meal amendments. Fumigation has long been the standard treatment to combat replant disease in apple orchards, but studies by a U.S. Department of Agriculture researcher suggest that using seed meal as a soil amendment might give even better results in some situations. This strategy would be compatible with organic production, and could provide an alternative to commercial fumigants, which might not be available in the future. Dr. Mark Mazzola, with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service in […]