Effective Solution in the Fight against Root Cancer (Agrobacterium tumefaciens); NOGALL

Root cancer, caused by the bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is a type of cancer that affects the roots and root throats of many woody and herbaceous plant species. It is a serious disease that can lead to the drying out and death of trees, as well as a reduction in fruit quality and yield in agricultural production. In this article, we will discuss the causes, spread, and control of root cancer, as well as the use of NOGALL as an effective solution in the fight against this disease.

What is Root Cancer?

Root cancer, also known as root uru, is a type of cancer that occurs when tumors form in the roots and root throats of plants. It is caused by four types of soil and plant pathogens: Agrobacterium tumefaciens, Agrobacterium rhizogenes, Agrobacterium rubi, and Agrobacterium vitis. The most common pathogen is Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which can survive in the soil for a long time and spread rapidly to orchards, causing the trees to dry out and die.

Plant Groups Affected by Root Cancer

Root cancer can occur in various plant species, including:

• Stone-core fruits (such as peaches, cherries, plums)
• Hard-shelled fruits (such as walnuts, almonds)
• Soft-core fruits (such as apples, pears)
• Trees and ornamental plants (such as roses, chamomile, gerbera)

Survival of Pathogenic Bacteria in the Soil

Pathogenic Agrobacterium bacteria can survive in the soil or on root tissues for many years, up to 40 years. They are more commonly found in soils with heavy clay or high water retention capacity. The population of pathogenic bacteria may decrease over time, but they can still be present in the soil for a long time.

Spread of Root Cancer

Pathogenic bacteria that cause root cancer can spread easily through precipitation, soil processing, tool equipment, soil, and water. They can be transmitted from one region to another through the movement of water in the soil or the roots of many plants. It is important to note that pathogenic bacteria can survive and proliferate on plant residues and roots in the soil. Therefore, the removal of diseased plant roots from the field is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease.

NOGALL: An Effective Solution in the Fight against Root Cancer

NOGALL is a biological preparation used in the fight against root cancer disease. It contains a beneficial bacterial culture called Agrobacterium radiobacter, strain K1026, which is the natural enemy of the pathogenic bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens. NOGALL acts as a biological control agent and can only be used for preventive purposes. It cannot be used as a therapeutic treatment once the disease is already present in the plant.

How Does NOGALL Work?

NOGALL controls root cancer through various mechanisms of action:

1. Colonization: NOGALL quickly colonizes the root zone, providing protection to the roots.
2. Competition: It competes with soil pathogens for nutrients and resources in the root zone, reducing their chances of survival.
3. Antibiotic secretion: NOGALL secretes antibiotics such as Agrocin 84, Agrocin 434, and ALS84, which directly kill the pathogenic bacteria causing root cancer.

Plants Successfully Treated with NOGALL

NOGALL has been successfully used in the treatment of root cancer in various plant species, including:

• Stone-core fruits (peaches, cherries, plums)
• Hard-shelled fruits (such as walnuts, almonds)
• Ornamental plants (roses, gerbera)
• Blueberries
• Raspberries

In soft-core fruits (such as apples, pears), NOGALL mainly colonizes the root area and limits the chances of survival of the pathogenic bacteria. It is important to avoid using root cancer-sensitive rootstocks, especially in soft-core fruits, and to apply cultural measures carefully in the fight against the disease.

Application of NOGALL

To ensure effective application of NOGALL, it is important to follow these guidelines:

1. Determine the required amount of NOGALL based on the number of seeds, crouches (mother plants), or seedlings to be treated.
2. Prepare the drug mixture using clean water, preferably cold and of drinking water quality.
3. Use a clean container with a depth of at least 30 cm to prepare the drug mixture.
4. Mix the NOGALL powder with water gradually, ensuring a homogeneous mixture.
5. Before immersing the seedlings in the drug mixture, clean and cut any damaged parts of the roots.
6. Keep the seedlings in the drug mixture for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all parts come into contact with the solution.
7. Plant or transplant the seedlings immediately after application, without waiting for a long time.

It is important to note that NOGALL should only be used on seed crouches and seedlings before planting or transplanting. Applying the mixture to other parts of the plant, such as leaves or stems, does not provide any benefit.

Safety and Dosage

NOGALL, when used according to the recommended doses, is safe for plants, humans, animals, and the environment. Overuse or underuse of the product is not beneficial and can result in unnecessary expenses. It is important to follow the recommended dosage instructions for optimal results.

Conclusion

Root cancer, caused by the bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens, is a serious disease that affects various plant species. NOGALL, a biological preparation containing Agrobacterium radiobacter, strain K1026, is an effective solution in the fight against root cancer. By colonizing the root zone, competing with soil pathogens, and secreting antibiotics, NOGALL helps prevent and control the spread of the disease. Proper application of NOGALL before planting or transplanting seedlings is crucial for its effectiveness.