Search

Abstract: Pseudomonas strains producing antimicrobial secondary metabolites play an important role in the biocontrol of phytopathogenic fungi. In this study, native Pseudomonas spp. isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere, endorhizosphere and bulk soil of maize fields in Córdoba (Argentina) during both the vegetative and reproductive stages of plant growth. However, the diversity based on repetitive-element PCR (rep-PCR) and amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis (ARDRA) fingerprinting was not associated with the stage of plant growth. Moreover, the antagonistic activity of the native isolates against phytopathogenic fungi was evaluated in vitro. Several strains inhibited members of the genera Fusarium, Sclerotinia or Sclerotium and this antagonism was related to their ability to produce secondary metabolites. A phylogenetic analysis based on rpoB or 16S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that the isolates DGR22, MGR4 and MGR39 with high biocontrol potential belonged to the genus Pseudomonas. Some native strains of Pseudomonas were also able to synthesise indole acetic acid and to solubilise phosphate, thus possessing potential plant growth-promoting (PGPR) traits, in addition to their antifungal activity. It was possible to establish a relationship between PGPR or biocontrol activity and the phylogeny of the strains. The study allowed the creation of a local collection of indigenous Pseudomonas which could be applied in agriculture to minimise the utilisation of chemical pesticides and fertilisers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The role of the sesquiterpene botrydial in the interaction of the phytopathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea and plant-associated bacteria was analyzed. From a collection of soil and phyllospheric bacteria, nine strains sensitive to growth-inhibition by B. cinerea were identified. B. cinerea mutants unable to produce botrydial caused no bacterial inhibition, thus demonstrating the inhibitory role of botrydial. A taxonomic analysis showed that these bacteria corresponded to different Bacillus species (six strains), Pseudomonas yamanorum (two strains) and Erwinia aphidicola (one strain). Inoculation of WT and botrydial non-producing mutants of B. cinerea along with B acillus amyloliquefaciens strain MEP 2 18 in soil demonstrated that both microorganisms exert reciprocal inhibitory effects; the inhibition caused by B. cinerea being dependent on botrydial production. Moreover, botrydial production was modulated by the presence of B. amyloliquefaciens MEP 2 18 in confrontation assays in vitro. Purified botrydial in turn, inhibited growth of Bacillus strains in vitro and cyclic lipopeptide (surfactin) production by B. amyloliquefaciens MEP 2 18. As a whole, results demonstrate that botrydial confers B. cinerea the ability to inhibit potential biocontrol bacteria of the genus Bacillus. We propose that resistance to botrydial could be used as an additional criterion for the selection of biocontrol agents of plant diseases caused by B. cinerea. Image 1 • The sesquiterpene botrydial produced by Botrytis cinerea inhibits bacteria associated to plants. • Botrydial lets B. cinerea antagonize Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in soil. • Botrydial lets B. cinerea resist the antagonistic effects of B. amyloliquefaciens. • Botrydial inhibits surfactin production by antagonistic B. amyloliquefaciens. • The ecological role of botrydial is wider than its phytotoxic effects on plant hosts of B. cinerea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]