Smart Farming Solutions

Quantum Growth is a consortium of over 20 different types of natural, beneficial vegetative bacteria. Many of the species contained in Quantum Growth are well published in peer-reviewed literature in terms of their activity against both fungal and bacterial pathogens, including Phytophthora infestans (P.infestans), the organism responsible for late blight of tomatoes and potatoes.


Multiple mechanisms are likely responsible for the observed anti-fungal and anti-bacterial effects, including direct synthesis of toxic compounds, induction of apoptosis, or simply through the principle of Gausse’s Law of competitive exclusion.

Many growers who use Quantum Growth on a regular basis report great success in controlling mildew and bacterial blight in fields treated with only Quantum versus fields treated with synthetic fungicide and bactericides. They also report that when Quantum is applied after first sign of disease, the plant recovers and continues to grow and produce fruits. We recommend applying Quantum on a weekly basis for systemic protection.



Several other commercially available biological fungicides have demonstrated mixed results against fungal infections, including Serenade (Bacillus subtilis) and Sonata (Bacillus pumilus). These products all contain single strains. The consortium of microbes in Quantum Growth acts in a manner similar to the drug “cocktails” that have demonstrated increased efficacy, for example in HIV treatments. This multi-strain approach and inherent redundancy attacks pathogens through multiple-mechanisms, and the effects are synergistic, not additive.



The following strains have been verified to be contained in Quantum Growth through DNA sequencing.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus circulans, Bacillus pumilus, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Curtobacterium flaccumfaceins, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Nitrobacter winogradsky, Family Actinomycetes- (Steptomyces lydicus) Pseudomonas fluorescens



Another advantage with Quantum Growth is its long shelf life, even after the container has been opened. As long as the container is tightly sealed and stored at room temperature, the product’s efficacy will last several years.

Quantum comes in several different formulations depending on soil types and desired response. However, we have found that the best results are obtained when using Quantum Lights and Quantum VSC together in equal proportions.
For those interested in further information on beneficial soil bacteria, please review the following references.
References


1. Yan Z, Reddy MS, Ryu CM, McInroy JA, Wilson M, Kloepper JW (2002). Induced systemic protection against tomato late blight elicited by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. Phytopathology 92(12): 1329-33.

2. Lacava PT, Li W, Araujo WL, Azevedo JL, Hartung JS (2007). The endophyte Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens reduces symptoms caused by Xylella fastidiosa in Catharanthus roseus. The Journal of Microbiology 45 (5): 388-393.

3. USDA/Agricultural Research Service (2008, June 12). Beneficial Bacteria Help Control Produce Pathogen. ScienceDaily. Retrieved July 30, 2010, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/06/080606133836.htm

4. Kudriashova EB, Vinokurova NG, Ariskina EV (2005). Bacillus subtilis and phenotypically similar strains producing hexaene antibiotics. Prikl Biokhim Mikrobiol 41(5):553-7.

5. Hong S, Moon BH, Yong Y, Shin SY, Lee YH, Lim Y (2008). Inhibitory effect against Akt of cyclic dipeptides isolated from Bacillus sp. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 18(4): 682-5.

For more information, log on to http://www.smartfarmingsolutions.com/

Labels: beneficial soil bacteria, Inoculaid, inoculants, plant disease, plant pathogens, Quantum Growth