TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present invention concerns plant biocontrol and in particular biocontrol in seedlings against spreading of seed associated pathogens.

BACKGROUND ART

References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

Ronald Gitaitis and Ronald Walcott The epidemiology and management of seedborne bacterial diseases, Annual Review of Phytopathology, Vol. 45: 371-397, 2007;

Valeria Mancini and Gianfranco Romanazzi Seed treatments to control seedborne fungal pathogens of vegetable crops Pest Management Science Volume 70, Issue 6, pages 860-868, June 2014;

Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

BACKGROUND

Vegetable crops are frequently infected by pathogens, which can include seedborne pathogens or seed transmitted pathogens, where the pathogen is already present within or on the seed surface, and can thus cause seed rot, seedling damping-off, or be a primary source of inoculum for seedling diseases and to the crop.

Notwithstanding the attempts to reduce seed-borne or seed transmitted (seed associated) pathogen infections by moving seed production to semiarid regions, seed- associated diseases continue to cause significant economic losses worldwide. As described in the Review by Ronald Gitaitis and Ronald Walcott {The epidemiology and management of seedborne bacterial diseases, Annual Review of Phytopathology, Vol. 45: 371-397, 2007], Infested seeds are responsible for the re-emergence of diseases of the past, movement of pathogens across international borders, or the introduction of diseases into new areas.

Treatment of vegetable seeds has been shown to prevent to some attempts plant disease epidemics caused by seed-borne pathogens. At times, treatment at the seed stage may also be useful in reducing the amounts of pesticides required to manage a disease.

Physical treatments that have already been used in the past and treatments with biopesticides, such as plant extracts, natural compounds and biocontrol agents, have proved to be effective in controlling seed-borne pathogens. These have been applied alone or in combination, and they are widely used owing to their broad spectrum in terms of disease control and production yield. In the review by Valeria Mancini and Gianfranco Romanazzi [Seed treatments to control seedborne fungal pathogens of vegetable crops Pest Management Science Volume 70, Issue 6, pages 860-868, June 2014] the effectiveness of different seed treatments against the main seed-borne pathogens of some important vegetable crops is discussed.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides, in accordance with a first of its aspects, a method for treating and/or preventing spread of a seed associated disease within a population of seedlings, the method comprises providing said seedlings with an amount of a formulation obtained from at least:

(a) a first component comprising particulate matter holding one or more natural oils; and

(b) a second component comprising a bacterial cocktail of at least two antagonistic bacteria.

Further provided by the present disclosure is a package comprising in two separate compartments, respectively, a first component and a second component as defined herein, wherein the package is for use in treatment or preventing spread of a seed associated disease in a population of seedlings.

Both treatment and preventative effects are specifically exhibited in the non limiting examples provided below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1A-1B are images of Pepper seedlings after treatment with the bio- control formulation of the present disclosure (Fig. 1A, "Treated") as compared to non- treated seedlings (Fig. IB, " Untreated");

Figures 2A-2B are images of Tomatto seedlings after treatment with the bio- control formulation of the present disclosure (Fig. 2A, "Ttreated") as compared to a non-treated, control, seedlings (Fig. 2B, " Untreated");

Figures 3A-3B are images of Egg-Plant seedlings after treatment with the bio- control formulation of the present disclosure (Fig. 3 A, "Treated") as compared to a non- treated, control, seedlings (Fig. 3B, " Untreated");

Figure 4 is an image of Cabbage seedlings after treatment with the bio-control formulation of the present disclosure ("Treated') as compared to non-treated seedlings ^Untreated');

Figure 5 is an image of Kohlrabi seedlings after treatment with the bio-control formulation of the present disclosure (^'Treated') as compared to a non-treated seedlings {"Untreated");

Figures 6A-6B are images of Broccoli seedlings after treatment with the bio- control formulation of the present disclosure (Fig. 6A, "Treated") as compared to a non- treated, control, seedlings (Fig. 6B, " Untreated");

Figures 7A-7B are images of Cauliflower seedlings after treatment with the bio- control formulation of the present disclosure (Fig. 7A, "Treated") as compared to a non- treated, control, seedlings (Fig. 7B, " Untreated");

Figures 8A and 8B is an image of Melon seedlings after treatment with the bio- control formulation of the present disclosure ("Treated") as compared to a non-treated seedlings ("Control"); Figure 9 is an image of Pumpkin seedlings after treatment with the bio-control formulation of the present disclosure ("Treated") as compared to non-treated seedlings ("Untreated");

Figure 10 is an image of Lettuce seedlings after treatment with the bio-control formulation of the present disclosure ("Treated') as compared to a non-treated seedlings ("Untreated").

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Seedlings, whether grown from a seed or a sexual (vegetative) reproduction, need to be protected from adverse temperatures, heavy rains, drought, wind and a variety of pests and diseases. To this end, nurseries have been developed, which provide optimum conditions for the germination and subsequent growth until plants are strong enough to be planted in a permanent setting.

A nursery can be as simple as a raised bed in an open field or as sophisticated as a glass-house with micro- sprinklers and an automatic temperature control system. Concomitant to their providing suitable growth conditions for seedlings, nurseries (being a closed environment facility) may, on the other hand, provide grounds for epidemic spread of diseases, even of a seed borne or seed transmitted disease that is sourced from a single seed from the thousands of seeds being planted in the nursery.

In addition, it is noted while nurseries provide prefect environmental conditions for germination (free water, high humidity and suitable temperature), these same conditions are also optimal for development of bacterial diseases.

Further, when cultivating seedlings in a nursery irrigated by water showers, caution should be taken not to wound the seedlings skin, which may be a convenient entry way of pathogen into the plant. The water splashes from the shower may also cause spreading of pathogens to neighboring seedlings.

The present invention is aimed at providing a method of treatment and/or prevention (preferably prevention) of an epidemic spreading of seed-borne or seed transmitted diseases (herein collectively referred to by the term "seed associated diseases") in cultivated seedlings, with preference to nursery cultivated plants. When referring to "spreading" of a disease it is to be understood as meaning any transmission of a disease from one seedling to at least one another seedling. In this connection, it is noted that by performing the method steps, prevention of spreading of an already existing disease takes place. This can also involve treatment (reduction or elimination) of an already existing disease.

Specifically, the present disclosure provides a method for treating and/or preventing spread of a seed associated disease within a population of seedlings, the method comprises providing said seedlings with an amount of a formulation obtained, preferably by mixing prior to use, of at least:

(a) a first component comprising particulate matter holding one or more natural oils; and

(b) a second component comprising a bacterial cocktail of at least two antagonistic bacteria.

The composition of each component is described herein below and in further detail in International patent application No. PCT/IL2014/050348 bearing the publication number WO2014/170894 the content of which is incorporated herein by reference it its entirety.

Upon mixing of the first and second components a stable emulsion is obtained, which can then be diluted with water and is suitable for application onto the seedlings to be treated or protected.

The mixing of the at least two components is prior to application/delivery to the seeding or seedling population in need of thereof. In the context of the present disclosure the "mixing prior to providing" denotes a mixing within a time window of 48hours, at times 24hours prior to delivery to the target seedling population, further at times, within a time window of 12 hours, 9 hours, 6 hours, 5, 4, 3, 2 hours or even within the time window of one hour, e.g. minutes prior to its actual use on the seedlings. This time window is determined based on the stability of the emulsion formed by the mixing of the components, as further discussed below.

The application of the resulting formulation (emulsion) is by any technique that allows the essentially even distribution of the formulation over the population of seedlings to be treated therewith. In some embodiments, the application of the resulting biocontrol formulation is by one or combination of spraying the seedlings or irrigation of the soil. The biocontrol formulation is preferably applied in a form of fine droplets, to be achieved by any technique known in the art.

The formulation may be applied at any time during the seedling stage of the plant. When referring to seedling stage it is to be understood as any stage from the day the seed is placed in the soil and germination begins until the day of maturation of the seedling, namely, when the seedling starts to photosynthesize and no longer depends on the seed's energy reserves for growth.

Accordingly, the application of the biocontrol formulation may be at least once, at any day until maturation, but preferably the formulation is applied at least once from the day the seedling is exposed to light (i.e. emerges from the ground).

While a single application of the biocontrol formulation may suffice for achieving the desired effect of preventing spread of seed associated diseases, in some embodiments the formulation is applied at least twice, at times trice or even more, until the seedling is matured and ready for planting. Determining the treatment schedule may depend on a variety of features, including, inter alia, the type of pathogen, the tendency of the pathogen to infect (pathogenicity), the conditions of seeding etc..

The biocontrol formulation disclosed herein does not act through disinfecting of the seeds. In fact, it is a requirement that the biocontrol formulation be applied at the seedling stage, namely, at least once from the day the seedling emerges from the ground and is exposed to light. It has been found by the inventors that there is a time window for treating the seedlings such that any spreading of a disease from one seedling to others will be prevented or at least significantly reduced. Based on these findings and in accordance with some embodiments, the biocontrol formulation is provided at least once at a physiological stage of 1-2 cotyledons. This timing of first application is essential in order to obtain the desired reduction or prevention of spreading.

In some further embodiments, the biocontrol formulation is applied at least once at a physiological stage of 1-2 cotyledons and the exposure of the shoot apical meristem and the plumule consisting of the first true leaves of the young seedling.

In some embodiments, the biocontrol formulation is applied twice: (a) at the physiological stage of at least 1-2 cotyledons; and (b) several days (two or more), in some embodiments, three (3) days, after the first application. In some further embodiments, the biocontrol formulation is applied three times, twice as noted above and a third time being a day before the seedlings are taken out of the nursery, e.g. to be sent for planting in the field.

To ensure effectiveness of treatment it is preferable, but not mandatory, that the seedlings are grown/cultivated under controlled environmental conditions, including controlled temperature, controlled humidity, controlled exposure to light, controlled water supply and other parameters known in agriculture. This may be achieved, for example, by cultivating the seedlings within a plant nursery.

The biocontrol formulation may be applied to a variety of plants. In some embodiments, the biocontrol formulation is used for treatment or prevention of a disease in a vegetable or fruit plant. Without being limited thereto, the biocontrol formulation is used for treatment or prevention of a disease in seedlings of a vegetable or fruit plant selected from the plant families consisting of Amaryllidaceae, Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Compositae, Cucurbitaceae, Gramineae, Leguminosae, Solanaceae, and Umbelliferae.

In one embodiment, the biocontrol formulation is applied to a plant selected from the families as follows:

Amaryllidaceae: chives, garlic, leeks, onion

Brassicaceae- horseradish, mustard, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, collards, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, radish, watercress

Chenopodiaceae: beet, Swiss chard, spinach

Compositae: endive, escarole, cardoon, artichoke, sunflower, lettuce, salsify

Cucurbitaceae: gourd, melon, squash, cucumber, luffa

Gramineae: Corn

Leguminosae: peanuts, peas, beans

Solanaceae: tomato, pepper, eggplant, potato, tomatillo

Umbelliferae: celery, carrot, dill, chervil, cilantro, parsley, fennel, parsnip

The application of the formulation does not necessarily take place only on a population already known to have a disease but may also be applicable for protective treatment, i.e. on a population that may potentially carry at least one seedling infected by a pathogen and which may cause spread of the disease to the entire population. In other words, in the context of the present disclosure, the population of seedlings comprises either at least one infected seedling, at least one seedling being suspected of being infected with a disease or being at risk of being infected with a disease.

In the context of the present disclosure the population of seedlings may include a plurality of seedling of the same plant as well as a population of seedlings comprising two or more plants from the same botanical family, or even, at times, two or more plants from different botanical families.

The biocontrol formulation may be applied for treatment, preferably protective treatment, of a population of seedlings for inhibiting, preventing or minimizing the spread of a seed associated disease of any pathogen origin.

Seed associated diseased may be a result of seed contamination or seed infestation. As appreciated, contamination or infestation refers to the passive relationship of a pathogens and seeds. The pathogen itself or parts of it can stick or can get mixed with the seeds during any of the processes during seed recollection: harvesting, extraction, thresh, selection and packing. Such pathogens may be pathogens that stick, by their spores, to the surface of the seed during harvest or postharvest, such as Clamidospores, Oospores, Teliospores, Uredospores, as well as bacterial cells and in some cases, virions; spores of fungi such as Alternaria brassicae and A. brassicicola in crucifers; A. longipes in tobacco; A. radicina in carrot; Ascochyta pinodella in pea; Drechslera sorokiniana and D. oryzae in rice; D. avenae in oats; Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. callistephi in China aster; Sclerotia of Rhizoctonia; solani in eggplant, pepper, and tomato; Tilletia caries, T. foetida, T. contraversa, and Urocystis agropyri in wheat. Each of the above disease causing pathogen is to be regarded as a separate and independent embodiment of the present disclosure.

In addition, a number of bacteria, such as the following, contaminate seed surfaces Corynebacterium flaccumfacjens pv. flaccumfacjens in bean, Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola in bean, P. syringae pv. lachrymans in cucumber, P. syringae pv. tomato in tomato, C. rnichiganense pv. michiganense in pepper, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in cabbage. Also some viruses such as Tobacco mosaic virus, Tomato mosaic virus, Pepper Mosaic virus are known to contaminate seeds. Again, each of these disease causing pathogen is to be regarded as a separate and independent embodiment of the present disclosure.

In some embodiments, the pathogen causing the disease may be one selected from the non-limiting group consisting of Enterobacteriaceae; Pseudomonadaceae; Xanthomonas (e.g. xanthomonas vesicatoria (XV)), Ralstonia, Acidovorax, Rhizobiaceae Agrobacterium; Clavibacter (e.g. Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Michiganensis (CBM)); Streptomyces (e.g. Streptomyces scabies (S. Scabies)); Clostridium and Bacillus. Each of these disease causing pathogen is to be regarded as a separate and independent embodiment of the present disclosure.

The biocontrol formulation is provided in a form of a two component package that need to be mixed prior to application on the seedlings. The package also includes instructions for use of the two components therein, said instructions comprise mixing the first component and the second component to form an emulsion and applying the emulsion onto said seedlings.

The package is preferably for use in plant nurseries.

The package includes two components as described above, namely, a first component comprising particulate matter holding one or more natural oils; and a second component comprising a bacterial cocktail of at least two antagonistic bacteria.

In the context of the present disclosure, the term "particulate matter" is used to denote a substance in the form of plurality of particle. The particles may be in any particulate form, including, without limited thereto, from finely rounded beads to amorphous structures. The particulate matter includes any form of a powder.

In some embodiments, the particulate matter comprise silica dioxide (Si(¾, in short referred to herein as silica). The silica may be naturally occurring silica particles such as bentonite clay beads, as well as synthetic silica beads.

In some embodiments, the particulate matter comprises synthetic silica particles. There are a variety of synthetic silica particles that may be used in the context of the present disclosure. For example, the particulate matter may comprise precipitated synthetic amorphous silica beads, such as the commercially available products Tixosil, Sipernat 50S (Si0 ₂ , 20 um) and Aerosil 200. In some other embodiments, the particulate matter comprises synthetic or nature derived beads with the capacity to absorb the natural oils. Such beads may include, without being limited thereto Latex beads; calcium carbonate sorbent particle; cellulose beads; polystyrene adsorbents beads e.g. Amberlite® XAD ^® -2 which is a hydrophobic crosslinked polystyrene copolymer absorbent resin; charcoal; Sepharose™ beads; emulsan-alginate beads; chitosan beads; sodium alginate; styrene-maleic acid copolymer beads and styrene-divinylbenzene beads; cellulose paper beads.

To allow good distribution of the final emulsion and in accordance with some embodiments the particulate matter (particles) has a size distribution in the range of 10-25μπι.

The particulate matter may also be characterized, without being limited thereto, by one or more of a surface area, in some embodiments, in the range of 400-500m N2/g and oil capacity in the range of 300-350 DBP/100 gram particulate.

The first component comprises the particulate matter that holds one or a combination of natural oils. In the context of the present disclosure it is to be understood that "natural oil" encompasses any organic oil obtained from nature.

The natural oil is preferably oil derived from a plant. In some embodiments, the natural oils are known as essential oils.

The essential oils are preferably those known to exhibit antimicrobial (e.g. antibacterial, antifungal, antinematodal) properties. When referring to anti-microbial properties it is to be understood as being effective against any microbial pathogen, as further discussed below. Without being limited thereto, essential oils to be used in accordance with the present disclosure, may be those derived from the plants Origanum vulgare and Origanum spp., (e.g. Oregano), Mentha spp. (mint), Thymus spp. (Thyme), Myrtus spp., Ocimun spp. (e.g. Ocimun basilicum, also klnown as Basil), Lavandula spp. (e.g. Lavender), Micromeria spp., Coriandum spp. (e.g. Coriander/Parsley), Aloysia spp., Melissa spp., Salvia spp., Petoselinum spp., Rosmarinus spp. (e.g. Rosemary), Prunella spp., Cuminum spp (e.g. Cumin).

In some other embodiments, the natural oils are plant derived oils that is used as carbon source, e.g. as food/nutrient for the antagonistic microorganisms. These are referred to herein the term "carbon-base oil" or "carbon-rich nutrient oil" . In some embodiments, the carbon-base oils are vegetable oils. Without being limited thereto, the carbon-base oil is selected from the group consisting of Sesame oil, Olive oil, Peanut oil, Cottonseed oil, Soybean oil, Palm oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, canola oil, castor oil, coconut oil, groundnut oil.

In the context of the present disclosure, when referring to "natural oiP it is to be understood as referring to a single type of oil and to a combination of oils. In some embodiments, the natural oil encompasses a combination of at least one essential oil and at least one carbon-base oil, both being of natural source.

In some embodiments, the natural oil comprises at least Oregano oil in combination with at least one carbon-base oil. The Oregano oil is combined, at times, with at least Sesame oil.

The amount of the natural oil within the first component (e.g. held by the particulate matter) may vary, depending on the type(s) of the natural oil used, the amount at loading, the type of particulate matter, the conditions of loading the natural oil onto the particulate matter, the surfactants or solvents used for loading etc.

When referring to loading of the oil onto the particulate matter, it is to be understood as meaning any form of association between the oil and the particulate matter (e.g. silica particles). Without being limited thereto, the oil is held by the particulate matter by absorption onto and/or into the particles. The association between the particles and the oil is reversible, namely, under suitable conditions, such as when brought into contact with water, the oil is easily released from the particles to form an emulsion.

In some embodiments, the particulate matter holds between 20% to 50% w/w natural oil out of the total weight of the particulate matter (after loading). This is determined by conventional techniques such as HPLC or GC chromatography, as also exemplified below. In some other embodiments, the particulate matter holds about 30% w/w natural oil ("about" encompasses a range of between 25-35%, at times between 28% to 32% or around 30%).

In some embodiments, the natural oil comprises either only the essential oil(s) or a combination of at least one essential oil and at least one carbon-base oil. As such, when referring to natural oils it is to be understood as encompassing essential oil(s) as well as carbon-base oil(s). The ratio between the at least one essential oil and at least one carbon-base oil is in the range of 60:40 and 100:0, at times the range is about 80:20.

When a combination of oils is used it is to be understood that they may be absorbed onto the particulate matter together, i.e. the same particulate matter holds more than one type of oil. In some embodiments, for ease of handling, each oil type is held separately on particulate matter such that different types of particulate matter are formed, each being characterized by the type of oil it is holding.

Thus, when referring to particular matter providing Oregano and Sesame at a ratio of 80:20 it is to be understood as a mixture of two populations of particulate matter, 80% carrying Oregano oil and 20% of a type carrying Sesame oil or a single population of particles, each particle being absorbed with the two oils at the defined or desired ratio (i.e. the oils are a priori mixed and then brought into contact with the absorbing carrier/particle). Irrespective of the oil type, the particulate matter between 20% to 50% w/w of its total weight it provided by the oil loaded thereon.

The particulate matter may also comprise at least one surfactant. As appreciated, a surfactant is a compound that lowers the surface tension of a liquid and as such, the interfacial tension between two liquids to allow the formation of, e.g. an emulsion. The surfactant may be of any kind known in the art as safe for use (e.g. non-toxic to plants or animals), including ionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants as well as zwitterionic (or non-ionic) surfactants.

In some embodiments, the surfactant is of a type acceptable in organic agriculture. A non-limiting list of possible surfactants to be used in accordance with the present disclosure includes Polyethylene glycol, sorbitan trioleates (Tween, e.g. Tween 85, Tween 65, Tween R85), sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g. Span 40), Egg Lecithin, Zohar LQ-215 (Potassium fatty acids) and Zohar PT-50 (Potassium fatty acids), Carvacrol.

In some other embodiments, the surfactant comprises a salt of a fatty acid. The salt may comprise an alkaline such as potassium, calcium, sodium salts, as well as an ammonium salt.

In some embodiments, the salt of a fatty acid comprises potassium salts of fatty acids (also known as soap salts), which are at times used as insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and/or algaecides. In some embodiments, potassium salts of fatty acids may be obtained by adding potassium hydroxide to natural fatty acids such as those found in animal fats and in plant oils. Fatty acids may be extracted from olives, cotton seeds, soya beans, peanuts, sun flowers, coconuts palm, rapeseed, sesame oil, amaranth, corn, jatropha.

The fatty acid forming the surfactant may also be a synthetic fatty acid as well as a semi-synthetic (e.g. a natural fatty acid that underwent a modification).

In accordance with some embodiments, the at least one surfactant is one being recognized or is labeled as having an insecticide and/or fungicide activity. Without being limited thereto, pesticidal and/or fungicidal surfactants may include the commercial products Zohar PT-50 and Zohar LQ-215, both produced by Zohar Dalia, Israel.

In one particular embodiment, the surfactant is selected from Zohar PT-50 and Zohar LQ-215.

The compositions of these surfactants are available from Zohar Dalia. For instance, Zohar PT-50 is known to have the composition as shown in Table 1 below:

Table 1: Surfactants compositions

The amount of the surfactant in the first component may vary. However, in some embodiments, the particulate matter comprises between 5% to 10% w/w of the surfactant or combination of surfactants.

The first component, prior to mixing with the second component, comprises the particulate matter is in an essentially dry form. When referring to "essential dry" it is to be understood that the first component may contain low amounts of water, in some embodiments not more than 10% (w/w). In some other or additional embodiments, the water content in the first component is within the range of 1% to 7% (w/w). In yet some other embodiments, the "essential dry" is to be understood as encompassing no water being detected by conventional methods (i.e. no detectable amount of water).

The first component may also contain some trace amounts of an organic solvent. As will be further discussed below, a solvent may be required for the preparation of the particulate matter and some residual amounts may remain, as long as the solvent is not toxic. In some embodiments, the first component is either solvent free (i.e. contains no detectable amounts of an organic solvent) or comprises trace amount, i.e. not more than 5%, 4%, 3% or even 2% w/w organic solvent. The solvent is typically an organic volatile polar solvent, such as, without being limited thereto, a solvent selected from the group consisting of acetone, isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol, IP A), acetonitrile, acetone, ethanol and methanol. In some embodiments, trace amounts of alcohol are detected in the first component.

The particulate matter of the first component is unique in its capability of forming a stable emulsion, once the particulate matter is brought into contact with water or with the second component. This is achieved, inter alia, due to the presence of a surfactant in the first component. The surfactant is added to the particles with the oil, before bringing the components into dryness.

When referring to a stable emulsion it is to be understood as referring to dispersion of oil (the dispersed phase) in water (the dispersion medium) for a period of at least lhour, at times, at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 12 or even 24 hours following the formation of the emulsion. In other words, the stability is determined by the lack of separation into an oil phase and a water phase. The lack of separation may be determined by any means known in the art, including visible inspection.

To form the emulsion, the particulate matter is mixed with water or with the water contained in the second component. The amount of water depends on the amount of particulate matter. In some embodiments, for each gram of particulate matter (30% of which is oil) water is added to provide a one liter emulsion. As such, in a 1 liter emulsion, 0.1 gr particulate matter provides an oil concentration of 0.03% v/v). In some embodiments, the percentage of oil in the final emulsion is in the range of 0.03% and 2% v/v.

In some embodiments, the mixing of the particulate matter with water provides an emulsion with a droplet size in the range of between 1 to 20μπι and in some embodiments in the range between 3 to ΙΟμπι.

In some embodiments, the emulsion is an anti-microbial emulsion.

Reverting to the second component, it poses an antagonistic activity. In the context of the present disclosure, when referring to antagonists of a microbial pathogen or a pathogen antagonist, it is to be understood as a biological entity that inhibits the plant pathogen (a plant pathogen may also be referred to as a phytopathogen). Inhibiting, in the context of the present disclosure is to be understood as reducing growth of the pathogen by at least 50%, at least 70%, at least 90% or even by essentially eliminating the pathogen. The plant pathogen, in the context of the present invention may be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism, including, without being limited thereto bacteria, a fungi, protozoa, nematodes, or any other disease causing parasite. As such, the microbial activity of the at least one antagonist, may any one of antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotoxoal, antinematodal etc.

The second component comprises at least one antagonistic bacteria and in some preferred embodiments, the second component comprises a cocktail of antagonists. The cocktail is to be understood as a combination of two or more, at times, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or 15, antagonists combined together in the same or different concentrations.

In some embodiments, the at least one antagonist is of a type capable of growing on sesame oil as a sole carbon source. Such antagonists may be easily identified by conducting conventional cultivation assay using sesame as the sole carbon source and identifying those cultivars that survived the experimental growing period. Specifically, the antagonistic bacteria that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure is one that may be distinguished from other bacteria having no antagonistic activity towards at least Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. Michiganensis (CBM), the cause of tomato bacterial canker; or is one that is capable of growing on carbon base oil, such as sesame oil. In one embodiment, the carbon base oil on which all antagonistic bacteria grow (while non-antagonistic bacteria tested do not) is sesame oil.

In some embodiments, the antagonist may be referred to as a bacteriostate, i.e., that slows down growth of organisms, and in some other embodiments, the antagonist may be referred to as a bactriocide, namely, that kills the organism.

In some embodiments, the at least one antagonist of a microbial pathogen is a soil born antagonist. In this context it is to be understood that the at least one antagonist may be obtained and isolated from the roots, soil and/or rhizophere of a plant that was shown to be tolerant (e.g. partially resistant) or resistant to the microbial pathogen.

In some other embodiments, the at least one antagonist of a microbial pathogen is a plant derived antagonist, e.g. isolated from a plant part, such as the leaves, the stem, the flower, the vascular system.

The at least one antagonist of a microbial pathogen may also be present and thus derived from the soil (i.e. soil born) and from a plant part (e.g. the vascular system).

As noted above, the second component may include more than one antagonist. In some embodiments, the second component includes a combination of several antagonists in the same gel, i.e. a cocktail. However, in some other embodiments, when combinations of antagonists are to be used, they may each be carried by a separate gel and mixed only prior to use. When using a combination or two or more antagonistic bacteria, the combination is referred to herein as an antagonistic cocktail.

When a combination of antagonists is used, the antagonists may be provided/applied to the plant in the same amounts (CFU/ml) or in different amounts.

In accordance with some embodiments, the amount of an antagonist in the second component (either as a single antagonist or as a cocktail of antagonists) may be in the range between 500 to 5,000CFU/ml/. The ratio between the antagonists, when used as a cocktail may vary, depending on the type of pathogen to be treated and may be a priori determined by conventional laboratory methods, e.g. best bacteriostatic/bactriocidal effect in a cultivation dish.

In some embodiments, the preferred antagonists are selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas species (Accession No. CBS133252), Pseudomonas alcaliphila (Accession No. CBS133254), Bacillus subtilis (Accession No. CBS133255), Pseudomonas cedrina (Accession No. CBS 133256), Pseudomonas species (Accession No. CBS133257), Pseudomonas species (Accession NO.CBS133258), Pseudomonas species (Accession No. CBS134568), Pseudomonas spanius (Accession No. CBS133259), Pseudomonas mediterranea (Accession No. CBS134566), Pseudomonas chlororahis (Accession No. CBS 134567).

Other antagonists that may be used in combination with at least one antagonist listed above, are provided in Table 4 of the Report by the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants [Edited by Philippe C. Nicot 2011], the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition, antagonists to be combined with at least one preferred antagonist listed above, may be found in various literatures, such as, without being limited thereto, the following, which are incorporated herein by reference:

The Pathogen The The Antagonists Source of information infected

plant

Ralstonia Tomato, Bacillus megaterium, Journal of Plant Pathology Solanacearum Pepper Enterobacter cloacae, 92(2):395-406 (2010)

Pichia guillermondii and

Candida ethanolica

E. carotovora E-65 as a Bacillus sp. and The Scientific World subsp. carotovora E-45 as a. Lactobacillus sp. Journal (2012), Article P-138 ID 723293.

Leptosphaeria canola Pseudomonas chlororaphis Biocontrol Science and maculans and P. aurantiaca Technology 16(5/6):567582

(2006)

Ralstonia Fungi in Pseudomonas fluorescens J. ISSAAS Vol. 18(1): 185- solanacearum peanut RH4003 and Bacillus 192 (2012) The Pathogen The The Antagonists Source of information infected

plant

( Pseudomonas subtilis AB89

solanacearum )

Ralstonia Wilt disease Pseudomonas http://www.apsnet.org/publ solanacearum of potato solanacearum isolates: ications/PiantDisease/Backl

B82;wl63;wp95 and P. ssues/Documents/1983Arti fluorescens cles/PlantDisease67n05_49

9.pdf

Rhizoctonia solani potato commercial products of Crop Protection

Bacillus subtilis (Kodiak) 24(l l):939-950,(2005)

Actinomycetes Phytoprotection 82:85-102

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Xanthomonas Bacterial Streptomyces spp American Journal of oryzae pv. oryzae Leaf Blight Agricultural and Biological

Disease in Sciences 7(2):217-223 Rice (2012)

Xanthomonas Isolates from soil and Rice Indstry, culture, and oryzae pv. oryzae water environment 549-553

Streptomyces spp Potato scab Phytopathology 85:261- 268 (1995);

Can J Microbiol. 47(4):332-40 (2001)

Sclerotinia Soybeans Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MSU AgBioResearch 2011 sclerotiorum, Potato scab (BAC03) Annual Report, (2012) Streptomyces sp. Vegetable URL:

and Phytophthora crops http://research.msu . edu/stor capsici ies/getting-root-soil-borne- diseases

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Fusarium Potato

sambucinum,

Rhizoctonia solani Lettuce Endophytic strains, FEMS Microbiol Ecol The Pathogen The The Antagonists Source of information infected

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Serratia plymuthica 3Re4- 64: 106-116 (2008) 18 and Pseudomonas

trivialis

3Re2-7, rhizobacterium

Pseudomonas fluorescens

L13-6-12

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Xanthomonas Tomato Rahnella aquatilis Microbiological Research, campestris pv. 160(4):343-352 (2005) vesicatoria

Erwinia Pseudomonas fluorescens Plant Disease 93(4): 386 amylovora (Fire A506, Pantoea URL:

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http ://www . actahort. org/bo oks/117/117_21. htm

Clavibacter Bacillus subtilis; BioControl 49: 305-313, michiganensis Rhodosporidium 2004

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michiganensis

As noted above, in some embodiments, the antagonist is of a type that is capable of growing on sesame oil as a sole carbon source.

To prepare the emulsion, water may be added (in addition to the water from the gel). When water is added, the total amount of water will depend on the amount of the first component. In some embodiments, for each gram of first component (e.g. 30% of which are oil) water is added to provide one liter emulsion. As such, in 1 liter emulsion, 0.1 gr particulate matter provides an oil concentration of 0.03% v/v.

In some embodiments, the percentage of oil in the final emulsion is in the range of 0.03% and 2% v/v.

According to the above, a final formulation may be provided from 20 grams of a powder of the first component (30% of which is the oil), and 120 ml of an antagonist gel of the second component and mixing the first component and the second component with water to form 20 liter emulsion containing 0.3%v/v of oil.

Similarly, a formulation may be provided from 50 grams or 100 grams of a powder of the first component, and 120 ml of an antagonist gel of the second component and mixing the first component and the second component with water to form a 50 or 100 liter emulsion.

The biocontrol formulation prepared from the first component and second component described in detail above is used, in accordance with the present disclosure, for treatment or prevention of an epidemic spread of infection by even a single seed borne infected seed.

DESCRIPTION OF NON-LIMITING EXAMPLES

Example 1: Preparing Biocontrol Formulation

The composition for biocontrol of the eggs was prepared by mixing two components, dry particulate matter and an antagonistic bacterial cocktail.

Preparation of Essential Oil Powder

Materials

For preparing the oil powder, the following materials were used:

Natural oils:

Oregano oil 100% (essential oil) and Sesame oil 100% (carbon-base oil), both purchased from Makes Scents Natural SPA line, Lancaster PA, USA.

Surfactants:

Carvacrol purchased from Sigma- Aldrich. Silica beads:

Sipernat 50S (Si(¾, 20 μηι) purchased from Evonik Industries AG.

Solvent:

Isopropanol (IP A), Gadot Methods

For laboratory scale production the powders containing the natural oils, surfactants and the silica beads were prepared using common lab glassware set up including laboratory bottles of 20-50ml sizes, spatulas, magnetic stirrers and heating plates. Generally, the natural oil was weight and each was separately mixed with the selected surfactant in a 20ml vial, to which the solvent was added. The mixtures of each oil were mixed and heated to a temperature of about 40°C until homogeneous solutions were obtained. To the homogenous solutions the silica beads were added until the liquid was absorbed by the beads. The bottles were left in the fuming hood overnight until all solvent has evaporated.

Loading of each of the oil in the final dry powders was 30-42%. The dry powders contained 2%-7% water.

Alternative formulations for the oil powder are described in detail in International patent application No. PCT/IL2014/050348 bearing the publication number WO/2014/170894 the content of which is incorporated herein by reference it its entirety.

Preparation of antagonistic cocktail

Materials

The antagonistic cocktail comprises, as the active principle, a mixture of soil borne bacteria. The isolation, identification and media condition for production are described in detail in International patent application No. PCT/IL2014/050348 bearing the publication number WO2014/170894 the content of which is incorporated herein by reference it its entirety. Table 2 provides the list of species deposited at the CBS-KNAW institute on November 19, 2012 and used in the final combination/cocktail. The species were stored at -80°C in a glycerol solution (15%).

Table 2: Deposited antagonists

Methods

Preparing antagonistic microbial gel

The isolated antagonists listed in Table 2 were separately transferred to Erlenmeyer flask containing the medium used for multiplication (peptone (10 gr/litre), yeast extract (20 gr/litre), glycerol (10 gr/litre), MgS0 ₄ (0.1 gr/litre), CaC0 ₃ (2 gr/litre) supplemented with 0.15% granulated Agar (Difco) and each antagonist at a concentration of between 10 7 to 108 CFU/ml and shaked for 72 h at 28°C. The resulting gel like cocktail was then kept in gel form, at room temperature until use. It has been shown that the antagonists can be preserved in this form for up to 12 months with a decrease in the bacterial population in logarithmic order of no more than 2. Bacteria long term storage

The antagonistic bacteria were maintained in the form of an agar containing media that was found to support long term (294 days) survival of the antagonistic bacteria.

Each of the antagonistic bacteria listed in Table 2 is also characterized by their capability to survive a long term cultivation period with oregano oil being the soil carbon source.

Preparation of biocontrol formulation

The biocontrol formulation was prepared by mixing the dry particulate matter carrying the oregano oil and sesame oil, with the agar gel carrying 10 7 -108 CFU/ml for each bacterium in the cocktail. Then, the mixture was diluted with water to obtain a concentration of each bacteria in the range of 10 3- ^" 105 CFU/ml and concentration of particulate matter from 0.02% - 1% (w/v liquid).

After the oil particulate matter and bacterial cocktail are mixed with an amount of water to the predefined concentration (in the above defined range), the biocontrol cocktail was prepared and ready for use. The ready for use formulation may be maintained for a period of 12 hours from its preparation.

Example 2: Biocontrol of Seedlings

Treatment of Seedlings

Seedlings of different botanical families (250 seedlings/tray in four replications, see Table 3 below) and at their very beginning stage of germination, were prepared in commercial nursery trays. The trays were incubated under mist condition (free water on the cotyledons and on the first leaf). At the physiological stage of 2 cotyledons and about break- through of the first leaf (exposure of the shoot apical meristem and the plumule to form the first true leaves of the young plant), the trays were sprayed with the formulation, about 15ml/m prepared as described above.

The second time for spray was 3 days after the first spray. The last spray was 2 days before planting, which is specific for each type of plant.

As control, seedlings of same botanical families were similarly sprayed, albeit with water only.

Results

In all the experiments a few seedlings in the tested and control groups were infected due to inherent, seed borne, pathogenic bacteria.

At the control (non treated trays), epidemic areas were observed whereas at most of the treated trays no pathogen symptoms were observed. The results are summarized in Table 2 below (statistically significant values), making reference to the relevant Figure No. showing the differences between treated and non-treated seedlings.

Table 3: Effect of Treatment

Primary infested seedlings means that the pathogen is seed borne or seed transmitted

All Figures clearly show that the treated seedlings are much more vigor as compared to the control seedlings. In some of the Figures the source of the seed borne disease is circled by a star shape. Specifically, Figure IB shows the spreading of Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria from a naturally infested pepper seed (stared area); Figure 3B shows the spreading Xanthomonas spp. in egg plant seedling; Figure 7B shows the spreading of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from a naturally infested Cauliflower seed.

In a further experiment, the effect of exposing tomato seedlings to a third amount of the formulation only two days before planting at commercial green house was also determined. To this end, tomato seedlings grown in a nursery were divided into 6 groups of 300 seedlings each. Each group was treated as follow:

Untreated Group: Group that was not treated nor artificially infected with a pathogen; Copper Group: Group treated by spraying with a commercial copper fungicide Kocide® lOlfungicide/bactericide Wettable Powder (active Ingredient copper Hydroxide 77.0%)

Group I: Group being treated by spraying with the biocontrol formulation prepared as described above at a concentration of particulate matter of 0.02%.

Group II: Group being artificially infected by spraying with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (10 ⁷ CFU/ml) and without being treated with the formulation of the present invention.

Group III: Group being treated with the commercial copper fungicide of the Coper group and artificially infected by Spraying with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (10 ⁷ CFU/ml)

Group TV: Group being treated with the formulation 0.02% (as in Group I) and artificially infected by spraying Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (10 CFU/ml).

The results of the various treatments are summarized in Table 4:

Table 4: Comparison treatment groups

Group Infected plants (%)

Untreated Group 0.67

Copper Group 1.00

Group I 0.00

Group II 68.67

Group III 54.67

Group IV 1.33 As shown in Table 4, under field condition (i.e. after planting in the commercial greenhouse) the treatment with the copper based fungicide had no affect on the % of infected seedlings, as compared to the untreated group.

Pre- inoculation by spraying with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (10 ⁷ CFU/ml) was successful, as shown by the increase in infected seedlings as compared to the untreated group.

Further, treatment with the commercial fungicide was not sufficiently effective in reducing level of infection (group III), while the treatment with the formulation disclosed herein significantly reduced incidences of infection (Group IV) and thus was determined as an effective biocontrol treatment for preventing spread of the disease.

All the nursery treatments for vegetable seedlings of the different botanical families were in the range of 0.02% to 2.0% of the solid formulation in the complex (Wight / volume) whereas the bacterial cocktail concentration remained constant - not less than 5X10 ³ CFU/ml at the spray tank mixes. Each variety has the optimal concentration according to the pathogens and its phytotoxicity responds.

At the following experiments all the seedlings were treated at the same concentration of 0.6% of the solid particulate matter in the complex (Weight / volume) and the cocktail of bacteria was in the range of 8X10 ^J to 1X104 CFU/ml at the spray tank mixes.

Specifically, seedlings were treated by spraying with the biocontrol formulation prepared as described above at a concentration of particulate matter of 0.6% at the stage of two emerging cotyledons with the aim of stopping a bacterial epidemic. As control, none treated seedlings were observed. Seed borne bacterial epidemics begin from a primary source of inoculum - a seedling containing seed borne pathogenic bacteria. The same seedlings were treated a second time two days after the first treatment, at the appearance of the first leaf. A third treatment was applied two days before the seedling was ready for market (to ensure protection during planting phase in greenhouse or field). Table 5A - Disease index after two treatments

The pathogens were isolated and identified in the laboratory.

* Disease Index for the seedling trays is: 10 = disease free; 0 = 100% infested seedlings ** no pathogen detected

Table 5B - Infected plants (%) after two treatments

* The pathogens were isolated and identified in the laboratory.

The third treatment, given two 2 days before shipping to the market, was done on 100 seedlings of each crop which were then planted in a commercial screen house.

Table 6 - Infected plants (%) after third treatment and planting in commercial plots

Pathogens were isolated and identified in the laboratory.

**Percentages indicate plants with symptoms where the pathogen was identified.

***One hundred plants of each crop were planted.

The results showed no disease development during 30 days after planting.