PLANT DISEASE CONTROL AGENT AND PLANT DISEASE CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

The present invention aims to provide a disease control agent for a plant selected from the group consisting of Brassicaceae plant; beans; maize; wheat variety; tubers and roots; and sugar beet; the disease being a disease caused by a fungus selected from the group consisting of fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, fungi belonging to the genus Pythium, fungi belonging to the genus Microdochium, fungi belonging to the genus Tilletia, fungi belonging to the genus Ustilago, fungi belonging to the genus Streptomyces, fungi belonging to the genus Erwinia, and fungi belonging to the genus Aphanomyces. The disease is controlled by treating seeds, seedlings, or soil of the plant using a filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces.

Claims

1-11. (canceled)

12. A method of controlling a disease of a plant, the method comprising: contacting seeds, seedlings, plant bodies, seedling culture soil, seedling culture medium, cultivation soil, and/or cultivation medium of the plant with a control agent comprising a filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces; wherein the plant is selected from the group consisting of Brassicaceae plant; beans; maize; wheat variety; tubers and roots; and sugar beet; and wherein the disease is caused by a fungus selected from the group consisting of fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, fungi belonging to the genus Pythium, fungi belonging to the genus Microdochium, fungi belonging to the genus Tilletia, fungi belonging to the genus Ustilago, fungi belonging to the genus Streptomyces, fungi belonging to the genus Erwinia, and fungi belonging to the genus Aphanomyces.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is Talaromyces flavus.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the Talaromyces flavus is Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain (FERM BP-10642).

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the control agent comprises the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces in an amount of 1×10.sup.6 to 1×10.sup.12 colony-forming units/g.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the Brassicaceae plant is selected from the group consisting of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnip, Chinese cabbage (hakusai), Japanese radish (daikon), Japanese horseradish (wasabi), and watercress.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein the control agent further comprises a surfactant and/or an excipient.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the surfactant is one or more surfactants selected from the group consisting of fatty acid soaps, alkyl ether carboxylic acid, N-acylamino acid, alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, alpha-olefin sulfonate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate salt, higher alcohol sulfate salt, alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfate, fatty acid alkylol amide sulfate salt, alkyl ether phosphate salt, alkyl phosphate salt, aliphatic amine salt, aliphatic quaternary ammonium salt, benzalkonium salt, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salt, imidazolinium salt, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, fatty acid monoglyceride, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, fatty acid alkanolamide, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, alkylamine oxide, carboxybetaine, aminocarboxylate, and imidazolinium betaine.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the excipient is one or more excipients selected from the group consisting of: fine mineral powders selected from the group consisting of kaolin clay, pyrophyllite clay, bentonite, montmorillonite, diatomaceous earth, synthetic hydrated silicon oxide, acid clay, talc, clay, ceramic, quartz, sericite, vermiculite, perlite, Oya stone, anthracite, limestone, stone coal, and zeolite; inorganic compounds selected from the group consisting of common salt, carbonates, sulfates, nitrates, and urea; organic matters selected from the group consisting of chaff, bran, crab shells, shrimp shells, krill powder, rice lees, wheat flour, corn cobs, peanut shells, bone meal, fish meal, lees powder, wood flour, charcoal, kuntan charcoal, bark charcoal, rice husk charcoal, herbal/wooden charcoal, peat moss, attapulgite, dried dung, activated carbon, oil cake, and starch and hydrolysates thereof; saccharides selected from the group consisting of D-sorbitol, lactose, maltitose, glucosamine, and oligosaccharides; oils selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, animal oils, and mineral oils; and synthetic water-soluble polymers

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the control agent comprises the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces at 1 to 90% by mass, the surfactant at 1 to 15% by mass, and the excipient at 0 to 98% by mass.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the control agent comprises the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces at 2 to 46% by mass, the surfactant at 2 to 15% by mass, and the excipient at 39 to 96% by mass.

22. The method of claim 13, wherein the control agent is formulated as a least one selected from the group consisting of a powder, a granule, an emulsion, a wettable powder, a flowable formulation, and a coating agent.

Description

EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

<Filamentous Fungi Belonging to Genus Talaromyces>

[0039] Examples of the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces used for the disease control agent of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Talaromyces flavus, Talaromyces bacillisporus, Talaromyces helicum, Talaromyces luteus, and Talaromyces rutundus. Talaromyces flavus is preferred.

[0040] Preferred examples of the Talaromyces flavus include the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain. The Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain was deposited with Patent Microorganisms Depositary, National Institute of Bioscience and Human-Technology, Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (currently International Patent Organism Depositary (IPOD), Biological Resource Center, National Institute of Technology and Evaluation) as of Sep. 2, 1996 under the accession number FERM P-15816, and the deposition was converted to international deposition under the Budapest Treaty as of Jul. 18, 2006 under the accession No. FERM BP-10642.

<Disease Control Agent>

[0041] The disease control agent of the present invention comprises, as an effective ingredient, the above filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces.

[0042] The form of the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is not limited as long as the disease control effect can be produced. The fungus may be in the form of any of conidia, hyphae, asci, spores, and the like. From the viewpoint of storage stability of the disease control agent, the fungus is preferably in the form of spores.

[0043] The filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces may be cultured by the same method as in the cases of ordinary filamentous fungi.

[0044] For example, the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces may be grown by a liquid culture method such as reciprocation liquid culture or jar fermenter culture; a semi-solid culture method in which culture is performed using a semi-solid medium; or a solid culture method in which culture is performed using a solid medium.

[0045] In cases where the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is subjected to liquid culture, potato-dextrose medium or Sabouraud medium may be used therefor. In cases where semi-solid culture is carried out, a medium prepared by gelation of potato-dextrose medium or Sabouraud medium may be used, or a medium prepared by suspending a cereal such as rice; wheat variety; maize; or soybean; or suspending a solid component derived from a cereal, such as bran or soybean meal; in water, may be used. In cases where solid culture is carried out, a medium containing, for example:

[0046] a cereal such as rice; wheat variety; maize; or soybean;

[0047] a solid component derived from a cereal, such as bran or soybean meal; or

[0048] a solid carrier such as a clay mineral containing a nutrient source;

[0049] which medium also contains, when necessary, a saccharide, a nitrogen source, or the like,

may be used.

[0050] Regarding the culture conditions for the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces, the culture is preferably carried out under aerobic conditions by a method such as aeration, stirring, or shaking, and the culture temperature is preferably 20 to 40° C. The culture period is preferably 3 to 60 days, more preferably 3 to 20 days.

[0051] The culture containing the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces may be used as it is as the disease control agent, or may be, when necessary, homogenized or chopped before use. Alternatively, mainly spores may be collected from the culture by sieving or the like, and the collected product may be used. Alternatively, fungal cells may be separated from the culture using a liquid such as water or oil, and the separated cells may be used as they are or after concentration.

[0052] The amount of the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces contained in the disease control agent of the present invention is not limited, and may be adjusted in accordance with the formulation. For example, in cases of a liquid formulation, the amount is preferably 1×10.sup.6 to 1×10.sup.12 cfu (colony-forming units)/g, more preferably 1×10.sup.7 to 1×10.sup.11 cfu/g, and, in cases of a solid formulation, the amount is preferably 1×10.sup.6 to 1×10.sup.12 cfu (colony-forming units)/g, more preferably 1×10.sup.7 to 1×10.sup.11 cfu/g.

[0053] As long as the growth, the storage stability, and the disease control effect of the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces are not inhibited, the disease control agent of the present invention may contain, when necessary, an arbitrary component such as a excipient or a surfactant, for the purpose of formulation, stabilization of the quality, and/or the like. Examples of the arbitrary component used in the disease control agent of the present invention include one or more of the following components.

[0054] In cases of a solid carrier, examples of the excipient include: fine mineral powders such as kaolin clay, pyrophyllite clay, bentonite, montmorillonite, diatomaceous earth, synthetic hydrated silicon oxide, acid clay, talc, clay, ceramic, quartz, sericite, vermiculite, perlite, Oya stone, anthracite, limestone, stone coal, and zeolite; inorganic compounds such as common salt, carbonates, sulfates, nitrates, and urea; fine organic powders such as chaff, bran, crab shells, shrimp shells, krill powder, rice lees, wheat flour, corn cobs, peanut shells, bone meal, fish meal, lees powder, wood flour, charcoal, kuntan charcoal, bark charcoal, rice husk charcoal, herbal/wooden charcoal, peat moss, attapulgite, dried dung, activated carbon, oil cake, and starch and hydrolysates thereof; and soluble excipients such as D-sorbitol, lactose, maltitose, glucosamine, and oligosaccharides. In cases of a liquid carrier, examples of the excipient include: water, vegetable oils, animal oils, mineral oils, and synthetic water-soluble polymers. One or more of these may be used.

[0055] Examples of the surfactant include fatty acid soaps, alkyl ether carboxylic acid, N-acylamino acid, alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, alpha-olefin sulfonate, dialkyl sulfosuccinate salt, higher alcohol sulfate salt, alkyl ether sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether sulfate, fatty acid alkylol amide sulfate salt, alkyl ether phosphate salt, alkyl phosphate salt, aliphatic amine salt, aliphatic quaternary ammonium salt, benzalkonium salt, benzethonium chloride, pyridinium salt, imidazolinium salt, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block polymer, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene glycerin fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene castor oil, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyethylene sorbitol fatty acid ester, polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester, fatty acid monoglyceride, polyglycerin fatty acid ester, sorbitan fatty acid ester, fatty acid alkanolamide, polyoxyethylene fatty acid amide, polyoxyethylene alkylamine, alkylamine oxide, carboxybetaine, aminocarboxylate, and imidazolinium betaine. One or more of these may be used.

[0056] In cases where a surfactant and an excipient are used, preferably, the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is contained at a ratio of 1 to 90% by mass; the surfactant is contained at a ratio of 1 to 15% by mass; and the excipient is contained at a ratio of 0 to 98% by mass. More preferably, the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is contained at a ratio of 2 to 46% by mass; the surfactant is contained at a ratio of 2 to 15% by mass; and the excipient is contained at a ratio of 39 to 96% by mass.

[0057] Since spores of Talaromyces fungi are hydrophobic, when they are treated by dilution in water, their dispersibility can be effectively improved by addition of a surfactant. In cases where the amount of the surfactant is too small, the dispersion effect cannot be obtained, while in cases where the amount is too large, the effect reaches the plateau, and the addition is therefore meaningless. Thus, the amount is preferably within the above-described range. By changing the amount of the excipient used within the range, adjustment of the concentration of the effective ingredient is possible.

[0058] Further, when necessary, the agent may contain an adjuvant, such as a natural polysaccharide or the like, for example, casein, gelatin, gum arabic, alginic acid, cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, chitin, or chitosan; a polyvinyl alcohol; a polyacrylate; or bentonite; for the purpose of thickening, adhesion, dispersion, and/or the like.

[0059] Further, when necessary, the agent may contain a dihydric alcohol or the like, for example, ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, for the purpose of prevention of freezing and/or the like.

[0060] Further, when necessary, the agent may contain a surfactant such as an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant, for the purpose of dispersion stabilization, aggregation inhibition, emulsification, and/or the like.

[0061] The disease control agent of the present invention containing a filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces may be formulated according to an ordinary production method of formulations, into a powder, granule, emulsion, wettable powder, flowable formulation, coating agent, or the like together with an arbitrary component(s) as required.

[0062] The wettable powder or the powder may be produced by mixing, or pulverizing and mixing, when necessary, the above-described surfactant and/or a component(s) for stabilization of the quality, with the above-described solid carrier.

[0063] The granule may be produced by mixing, or pulverizing and mixing, when necessary, the above-described surfactant and/or a component(s) for stabilization of the quality, with the above-described solid carrier, followed by carrying out granulation.

[0064] The emulsion may be produced by mixing, or pulverizing and mixing, when necessary, the above-described surfactant and/or a component(s) for stabilization of the quality, with a liquid carrier such as a vegetable oil, an animal oil, or a mineral oil.

[0065] The flowable formulation may be produced by mixing, or pulverizing and mixing, when necessary, the above-described adjuvant, dihydric alcohol and/or the like, surfactant, and/or a component(s) for stabilization of the quality, with water.

[0066] The coating agent may be produced by adding an adjuvant to a liquid carrier such as water or oil, and then mixing the resulting mixture into the form of a sol or gel.

<Target Plants and Target Diseases>

[0067] The plant to which the disease control agent of the present invention is to be applied is a Brassicaceae plant; bean; maize; wheat variety; tubers and roots; or sugar beet. Examples of the Brassicaceae plant include broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnip, Chinese cabbage (hakusai), Japanese radish (daikon), Japanese horseradish (wasabi), and watercress. Examples of the bean include soybean, pea, common bean, adzuki bean, broad bean, and chickpea. Examples of the wheat variety include wheat, barley, and rye. Examples of the tubers and roots include potato, sweet potato, taro (satoimo), Japanese yam (yamanoimo), and konjac tuber (konnyakuimo).

[0068] The target disease is one or more diseases caused by a fungus/fungi selected from the group consisting of fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, fungi belonging to the genus Pythium, fungi belonging to the genus Microdochium, fungi belonging to the genus Tilletia, fungi belonging to the genus Ustilago, fungi belonging to the genus Streptomyces, fungi belonging to the genus Erwinia, and fungi belonging to the genus Aphanomyces.

[0069] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia include Rhizoctonia solani, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia include damping-off.

[0070] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium include Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium include damping-off.

[0071] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Pythium include Pythium ultimum, Pythium aphanidermatum, Pythium spinosum, Pythium debaryanum, Pythium cucurbitacearum, and Pythium myriotylum, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Pythium include damping-off.

[0072] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Microdochium include Microdochium nival, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Microdochium include pink snow mold.

[0073] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Tilletia include Tilletia caries, Tilletia tritici, Tilletia leavis, and Tilletia foetida, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Tilletia include stinking smut.

[0074] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Ustilago include Ustilago nuda, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Ustilago include loose smut.

[0075] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Streptomyces include Streptomyces scabiei, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Streptomyces include scab.

[0076] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Erwinia include Erwinia carotovora and Erwinia chrysanthemi, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Erwinia include blackleg.

[0077] Examples of the fungi belonging to the genus Aphanomyces include Aphanomyces cochlioides, and examples of the diseases caused by the fungi belonging to the genus Aphanomyces include damping-off and black root rot.

[0078] In cases where the disease control agent of the present invention is applied to Brassicaceae plant, the agent has an excellent control effect especially against diseases caused by fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, and fungi belonging to the genus Pythium.

[0079] In cases where the disease control agent of the present invention is applied to beans such as soybean, the agent has an excellent control effect especially against diseases caused by fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, and fungi belonging to the genus Pythium.

[0080] In cases where the disease control agent of the present invention is applied to maize, the agent has an excellent control effect especially against diseases caused by fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, and fungi belonging to the genus Pythium.

[0081] In cases where the disease control agent of the present invention is applied to wheat variety, the agent has an excellent control effect especially against diseases caused by fungi belonging to the genus Ustilago, fungi belonging to the genus Tilletia, fungi belonging to the genus Microdochium, fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia, fungi belonging to the genus Fusarium, and fungi belonging to the genus Pythium.

[0082] In cases where the disease control agent of the present invention is applied to tubers and roots such as potato, the agent has an excellent control effect especially against diseases caused by fungi belonging to the genus Streptomyces, fungi belonging to the genus Erwinia, and fungi belonging to the genus Rhizoctonia.

[0083] In cases where the disease control agent of the present invention is applied to sugar beet, the agent has an excellent control effect especially against diseases caused by fungi belonging to the genus Aphanomyces.

<Application Method>

[0084] The disease control agent of the present invention containing a filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces is applied for treatment of seeds, seedlings, plant bodies (leaves, stems, roots, and the like), seedling culture soil, seedling culture medium, cultivation soil, cultivation medium, and/or the like of a Brassicaceae plant; bean; maize; wheat variety; tubers and roots; or sugar beet; for the purpose of controlling the diseases described above. The method of the application is appropriately selected in accordance with the mode of use such as the formulation, and the disease.

[0085] Examples of the method include seed soaking treatment, seed dressing treatment, seed coating treatment, spraying treatment onto seeds, spraying treatment onto soil, soil incorporation application, soil drenching application, seedling-tray drenching application, base application, liquid spraying onto the above-ground part, solid spraying onto the above-ground part, and the like. These may be carried out repeatedly or in combination.

[0086] The amount of the disease control agent of the present invention containing a filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces to be applied may vary depending on the type of the disease and the like. For example, in cases where seed soaking treatment is carried out, the agent is preferably applied as a seed soaking liquid in which the preparation is diluted 10- to 1000-fold (by mass), and the fungal concentration is usually 1×10.sup.3 to 1×10.sup.10 cfu, preferably 1×10.sup.4 to 1×10.sup.9 cfu per 1 ml of the soaking liquid.

[0087] In cases of seed dressing treatment, the preparation is preferably applied at 1 to 20% by mass with respect to the seed mass. The fungal concentration is usually 1×10.sup.3 to 1×10.sup.10 cfu, preferably 1×10.sup.4 to 1×10.sup.9 cfu per seed mass of 1 g.

[0088] In cases of spraying treatment onto soil, when a liquid is sprayed onto a seedling tray (with an area of, for example, about 1800 cm.sup.2), the agent is preferably applied in an amount of 50 to 1000 ml, and the fungal concentration is usually 1×10.sup.3 to 1×10.sup.10 cfu, preferably 1×10.sup.4 to 1×10.sup.10 cfu per 1 ml of the spray liquid. Also in cases where a material other than a seedling tray is used for the seedling culture or cultivation, the same amount of the agent may be applied per unit area.

[0089] In cases of soil incorporation application, the agent is preferably applied in an amount of 0.1 to 100 g per seedling tray (with an area of, for example, about 1800 cm.sup.2), and the fungal concentration is usually 1×10.sup.2 to 1×10.sup.9 cfu, preferably 1×10.sup.3 to 1×10.sup.8 cfu per 1 ml of the soil. Also in cases where a material other than a seedling tray is used for the seedling culture or cultivation, the same amount of the agent may be applied per unit area.

[0090] In cases of drenching application to the soil, when a liquid is sprayed onto a seedling tray (with an area of, for example, about 1800 cm.sup.2), the agent is preferably applied in an amount of 50 to 1000 ml, and the fungal concentration is usually 1×10.sup.3 to 1×10.sup.9 cfu, preferably 1×10.sup.4 to 1×10.sup.8 cfu per 1 ml of the spray liquid. Also in cases where a material other than a seedling tray is used for the seedling culture or cultivation, the same amount of the agent may be applied per unit area.

[0091] As long as the growth and the controlling effect of the filamentous fungus belonging to the genus Talaromyces are not adversely affected, the control agent of the present invention may be used as a mixture with, or in combination with, other disease control agents. For example, the agent may be used in combination with a microbicide, an insecticide, a nematicide, a miticide, an herbicide, a plant growth regulator, a fertilizer, and/or a microbial agent.

EXAMPLES

[0092] The present invention is described below in more detail by way of Examples. However, the present invention is not limited to the modes of these Examples.

Test on Control Effect against Cabbage Damping-Off Caused by Rhizoctonia

Production Example 1

(Production of Spores)

[0093] Wheat bran was used as a medium. An inoculum of the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain was inoculated to the medium, and solid culture was carried out at 30° C. for 10 days. After completion of the culture, the culture was dried to obtain a powder containing spores of the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain (4×10.sup.9 cfu/g).

(Production of Formulation)

[0094] The powder containing spores of the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain obtained above in Production Example 1 was used. A mixture containing this spore-containing powder at 10% by mass, SORPOL4315L (manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a surfactant at 10% by mass, and soybean oil (manufactured by Nisshin Oillio Group, Ltd.) as an excipient at 80% by mass was prepared, and the mixture was stirred and filtered through a 180-μm sieve. The resulting filtrate was concentrated using a centrifuge, to obtain a flowable formulation (1×10.sup.9 cfu/g).

Example 1

[0095] (Test on Control Effect against Cabbage Damping-Off Caused by Rhizoctonia)

(1) Inoculation of Pathogenic Fungus

[0096] A horticulture soil (Genkikun No. 1) containing a fertilizer component was mixed with Rhizoctonia solani fungi obtained by static culture in potato dextrose broth (PDB) medium, such that the fungi were contained at 1/50 by weight, to provide a Rhizoctonia-contaminated cultivation soil.

(2) Treatment with Agent

[0097] Twenty seeds of cabbage (variety: Okina) were sown in a plastic cup with a diameter of 6.5 cm filled with the Rhizoctonia-contaminated cultivation soil. The flowable formulation prepared in the above production of the preparation was diluted to 1×10.sup.7 cfu/ml, 4×10.sup.6 cfu/ml, or 2×10.sup.6 cfu/ml with water, and uniformly sprayed (9.3 ml) onto the surface of the soil, to provide agent treatment groups. In addition, a wettable powder (Rizolex wettable powder) containing tolclofos-methyl as an effective ingredient was diluted 500-fold with water, and uniformly sprayed (9.3 ml) onto the surface of the soil, to provide an agent treatment control group. In addition, a pot was prepared using water instead of the agent solution, to provide a control (untreated group). Three independent tests were carried out for both the agent treatment groups and the untreated group.

(3) Cultivation of Test Plants

[0098] Each plastic cup subjected to the above treatment was covered with the Rhizoctonia-contaminated cultivation soil, and then cultivation management was carried out in a glasshouse according to a conventional method.

(4) Investigation of Control Effect

[0099] One week after the sowing, seeds showing no budding and seedlings exhibiting symptoms of damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia fungi, such as rot or wilt, were regarded as diseased seedlings, and the rate of healthy seedlings in each treatment group was calculated.

Results

[0100] It was found, as shown in Table 1, that damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani can be controlled by soil drenching treatment with the Talaromyces agent.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Untreated Untreated inoculation non-inoculation 1 × 10.sup.7 4 × 10.sup.6 2 × 10.sup.6 group group cfu/ml cfu/ml cfu/ml Rizolex ×500 Number of seeds 20 20 20 20 20 20 Number of I lb 20 19 18 18 19 healthy II 9 18 18 19 17 18 seedlings III 7 20 18 17 15 20 Average 10.3 19.3 18.3 18.0 16.7 19.0 Rate of healthy seedlings 51.7% 96.7% 91.7% 90.0% 83.3% 95.0%

Production Example 2

(Production of Spores)

[0101] Wheat bran was used as a medium. An inoculum of the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain was inoculated to the medium, and solid culture was carried out at 30° C. for 10 days. After completion of the culture, the culture was dried, and a mixture of a clay mineral (Kaolin KH, Kanaya Kosan) as an excipient and the dried culture, prepared at a weight ratio of 1:9, was subjected to sieving to remove bran residues, to obtain a powder containing spores of the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain (1×10.sup.10 cfu/g).

Formulation Example 2

(Production of Formulation)

[0102] The powder containing spores of Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 obtained above in Production Example 2 was used. A mixture containing this spore-containing powder at 20% by mass, SORPOL5082 (manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a surfactant at 10% by mass, clay mineral (Kaolin KH) as an excipient at 38% by mass, glucosamine (manufactured by Protein Chemical Co., Ltd.) at 30% by mass, and Sumecton SA (manufactured by Kunimine Industries Co., Ltd.) as a thickener at 2% by mass was prepared, and the mixture was mixed and pulverized using a grinder mill, to obtain a wettable powder of Formulation Example 2 (2×10.sup.9 cfu/g).

Production Example 3

(Production of Spores)

[0103] Wheat bran was used as a medium. An inoculum of the Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 strain was inoculated to the medium, and solid culture was carried out at 30° C. for 10 days. After completion of the culture, the culture was dried, and the dried culture was subjected to sieving to remove wheat bran residues, to obtain a powder containing spores of Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 (4×10.sup.9 cfu/g).

Formulation Example 3

(Production of Formulation)

[0104] The powder containing spores of Talaromyces flavus Y-9401 obtained above in Production Example 3 was used. A mixture containing this spore-containing powder at 10% by mass, SORPOL5082 (manufactured by TOHO Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.) as a surfactant at 5% by mass, clay mineral (HA-A Kaolin Clay, manufactured by Maruo Calcium Co., Ltd.) as an excipient at 45% by mass, and glucosamine (manufactured by Protein Chemical Co., Ltd.) at 40% by mass was prepared, and the mixture was mixed and pulverized using a grinder mill, to obtain a wettable powder of Formulation Example 3 (4×10.sup.8 cfu/g).

Example 2

[0105] (Test on Control Effect against Wheat Damping-Off Caused by Pythium)

(1) Inoculation of Pathogenic Fungus

[0106] Pythium ultimum were subjected to shake culture in a cornmeal liquid medium. A medium was prepared by mixing soil and bran together at a volume ratio of 2:1, and adjusting the water content to 50%, followed by sterilization by autoclaving. The cultured pathogen were inoculated to the prepared medium, and solid culture was carried out for seven days. The resulting culture was mixed at a volume ratio of 1:4 with soil sterilized by autoclaving, to provide a contaminated soil.

(2) Treatment with Agent

[0107] Ten seeds of wheat (variety: Norin No. 61) were sown in a plastic cup with a diameter of 5.5 cm filled with the soil contaminated with Pythium ultimum. The sown seeds were completely covered with soil. The wettable powder prepared in Formulation Example 2 was diluted to 2×10.sup.8 cfu/ml, 7×10.sup.7 cfu/ml, or 2×10.sup.7 cfu/ml with water, and uniformly sprayed (15 ml) onto the surface of the soil, to provide agent treatment groups. In addition, for comparison, wheat seeds were subjected to dressing treatment at 0.4% by weight with a wettable powder (Orthocide wettable powder 80) containing Captan as an effective ingredient, and then sown to provide an agent treatment control group. In addition, an untreated inoculation group, in which no treatment with the agent solution was carried out at all, and an untreated non-inoculation group, in which 10 wheat seeds were sown in sterilized healthy soil, were provided. For all of the test groups, three independent tests were carried out.

(3) Cultivation of Test Plants

[0108] Each plastic cup subjected to the above treatment was placed in a greenhouse, and cultivation management was carried out according to a conventional method.

(4) Investigation of Control Effect

[0109] Two weeks after the sowing, seeds showing no budding and seedlings exhibiting symptoms of damping-off caused by Pythium, such as rot or wilt, were regarded as diseased seedlings, and the rate of healthy seedlings in each treatment group was calculated.

Results

[0110] It was found, as shown in Table 2, that damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum can be controlled by treatment with the Talaromyces agent.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Untreated Untreated inoculation non-inoculation 2 × 10.sup.8 7 × 10.sup.7 2 × 10.sup.7 Orthocide group group cfu/ml cfu/ml cfu/ml 0.4% Number of seeds 10 10 10 10 10 10 Number of I 1 10 9 9 7 10 healthy II 0 9 10 8 7 6 seedlings III 4 10 10 10 9 8 Average 1.7 9.7 9.7 9.0 7.7 8.0 Rate of healthy seedlings 16.7% 96.7% 96.7% 90.0% 76.7% 80.0%

Example 3

[0111] (Test on Control Effect against Dent Corn Damping-Off Caused by Pythium)

(1) Inoculation of Pathogenic Fungus

[0112] The culture prepared in Example 2 was mixed at a volume ratio of 1:9 with soil sterilized by autoclaving, to provide a contaminated soil.

(2) Treatment with Agent

[0113] Five seeds of dent corn (variety: 34N84) were sown in a plastic cup with a diameter of 5.5 cm filled with the soil contaminated with Pythium ultimum. The sown seeds were completely covered with soil. The wettable powder prepared in Formulation Example 2 was diluted to 2×10.sup.8 cfu/ml, 7×10.sup.7 cfu/ml, or 2×10.sup.7 cfu/ml with water, and uniformly sprayed (15 ml) onto the surface of the soil, to provide agent treatment groups. In addition, for comparison, dent corn seeds were subjected to dressing treatment at 0.4% by weight with a wettable powder (Orthocide wettable powder 80) containing Captan as an effective ingredient, and then sown to provide an agent treatment control group. In addition, an untreated inoculation group, in which no treatment with the agent solution was carried out at all, and an untreated non-inoculation group, in which five dent corn seeds were sown in sterilized healthy soil, were provided. For all of the test groups, three independent tests were carried out.

(3) Cultivation of Test Plants

[0114] Each plastic cup subjected to the above treatment was placed in a greenhouse, and cultivation management was carried out according to a conventional method.

(4) Investigation of Control Effect

[0115] Two weeks after the sowing, seeds showing no budding and seedlings exhibiting symptoms of damping-off caused by Pythium, such as rot or wilt, were regarded as diseased seedlings, and the rate of healthy seedlings in each treatment group was calculated.

Results

[0116] It was found, as shown in Table 3, that damping-off caused by Pythium ultimum can be controlled by treatment with the Talaromyces agent.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Untreated Untreated inoculation non-inoculation 2 × 10.sup.8 7 × 10.sup.7 2 × 10.sup.7 Orthocide group group cfu/ml cfu/ml cfu/ml 0.4% Number of seeds 5 5 5 5 5 5 Number of I 0 4 2 1 1 5 healthy II 0 4 4 2 0 1 seedlings III 0 5 1 2 0 2 Average 0.0 4.3 2.3 1.7 0.3 2.7 Rate of healthy seedlings 0.0% 86.7% 46.7% 33.3% 6.7% 53.3%

Example 4

[0117] (Test on Control Effect against Soybean Damping-Off Caused by Fusarium)

(1) Inoculation of Pathogenic Fungus

[0118] Fusarium oxysporum fungi were subjected to static culture on potato dextrose agar medium (PDA medium). A medium was prepared by mixing soil and cornmeal together at a volume ratio of 5:1, and adjusting the water content to 50%, followed by sterilization by autoclaving. The cultured pathogen were inoculated to the prepared medium, and solid culture was carried out for 21 days. The resulting culture was mixed at a volume ratio of 1:4 with soil sterilized by autoclaving, to provide a contaminated soil.

(2) Treatment with Agent

[0119] Five seeds of soybean (variety: Enrei) were sown in a plastic cup with a diameter of 5.5 cm filled with the soil contaminated with Fusarium oxysporum.

The sown seeds were completely covered with soil. The wettable powder prepared in Formulation Example 2 was diluted to 2×10.sup.8 cfu/ml or 2×10.sup.7 cfu/ml with water, and uniformly sprayed (15 ml) onto the surface of the soil, to provide agent treatment groups. In addition, for comparison, soybean seeds were subjected to dressing treatment at 0.5% by weight with a wettable powder (Homai wettable powder) containing thiuram and thiophanate-methyl as effective ingredients, and then sown to provide an agent treatment control group. In addition, an untreated inoculation group, in which no treatment with the agent solution was carried out at all, and an untreated non-inoculation group, in which five soybean seeds were sown in sterilized healthy soil, were provided. For all of the test groups, three independent tests were carried out.

(3) Cultivation of Test Plants

[0120] Each plastic cup subjected to the above treatment was placed in a greenhouse, and cultivation management was carried out according to a conventional method.

(4) Investigation of Control Effect

[0121] Two weeks after the sowing, seeds showing no budding and seedlings exhibiting symptoms of damping-off caused by Fusarium, such as rot or wilt, were regarded as diseased seedlings, and the rate of healthy seedlings in each treatment group was calculated.

Results

[0122] It was found, as shown in Table 4, that damping-off caused by Fusarium oxysporum can be controlled by soil drenching treatment with the Talaromyces agent.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Untreated Untreated inoculation non-inoculation 2 × 10.sup.8 2 × 10.sup.7 Homai group group cfu/ml cfu/ml 0.5% Number of seeds 5 5 5 5 5 Number of I 0 4 1 3 2 healthy II 1 3 3 2 1 seedlings III 1 4 3 1 0 Average 0.7 3.7 2.3 2.0 1.0 Rate of healthy seedlings 13.3% 73.3% 46.7% 40.0% 20.0%

Example 5

[0123] (Test on Control Effect against Potato Scab)
(1) Treatment with Agent

[0124] An agent liquid was prepared by diluting the wettable powder prepared above in Formulation Example 3, to 1×10.sup.6 cfu/ml. Contaminated potatoes (variety: Nishiyutaka) infected with Streptomyces scabiei, having about 4 to 10 lesions per seed potato, were soaked for 1 minute or 10 seconds in the prepared agent liquid. After drying the agent liquid, the seed potatoes were sown in a field. In addition, for comparison, an agent liquid was prepared by diluting 100-fold a wettable powder (Agrimycin wettable powder 100) containing as effective ingredients streptomycin and oxytetracycline, and the potatoes were soaked therein for 10 seconds, followed by drying, to provide an agent treatment control group. In addition, an untreated inoculation group was provided by soaking only in water followed by drying. For all of the test groups, three independent tests were carried out.

(2) Investigation of Control Effect

[0125] The potatoes were harvested 81 days after the sowing. Those exhibiting lesions of scab on the stem-tuber surface were regarded as diseased stem tubers, and the rate of diseased stem tubers with respect to the total number of stem tubers was calculated.

Results

[0126] It was found, as shown in Table 5, that scab caused by Streptomyces scabiei can be controlled by treatment with the Talaromyces agent.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Yield of diseased Total number Rate of stem tubers of stem tubers diseased No. Treatment Number Number stem tubers I 1 × 10.sup.6 cfu/ml 75 126 59.5% II 1-minute soaking 53 105 50.5% III 56 119 47.1% Average 61.3 116.7 52.4% I 1 × 10.sup.6 cfu/ml 45 102 44.1% II 10-second soaking 40 82 48.8% III 35 96 36.5% Average 40.0 93.3 43.1% I Agrimycin 100x 44 79 55.7% II 10-second soaking 25 64 39.1% III 37 82 45.1% Average 35.3 75.0 46.6% I Untreated 87 98 88.8% II inoculation group 90 124 72.6% III 97 132 73.5% Average 91.3 118.0 78.3%