Methods for preventing or reducing bacterial infection of plant seeds

Abstract

Described herein are methods preventing or reducing a bacterial infection on a plant seed. In one aspect, the method involves applying to the plant seed epigallocatechin-3 gallate, catechin, epicatechin, or any combination thereof. In one aspect, a mixture comprising epigallocatechin-3 gallate, catechin, and epicatechin is applied to the plant seed. In another aspect, green tea is applied to the plant seed. In other aspects, epigallocatechin-3 gallate, catechin, epicatechin, or any combination thereof is applied to plant seed in combination with an antibiotic, where a synergistic effect is observed. In other aspects, epigallocatechin-3 gallate, catechin, epicatechin, or any combination thereof is added to soil before and/or after the seed is planted in the soil.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.