Using Friendly Bacteria to Combat Harmful Plant Diseases

Jim Crocker
14th June, 2024

Using Friendly Bacteria to Combat Harmful Plant Diseases

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers in Iran explored using beneficial bacteria to manage citrus canker, a major threat to citrus crops
  • Bacillus strains, particularly B. amyloliquefaciens, significantly reduced citrus canker symptoms by inhibiting the pathogen's growth
  • This biological control method offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides
Citrus canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri, is a significant threat to citrus production, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In Iran, this disease has severely affected various citrus fruits, especially limes. Researchers at Yasouj University have recently explored the potential of using antagonistic bacteria as an environmentally friendly method to manage this disease[1]. The study focused on identifying and utilizing beneficial bacteria that could inhibit the growth of Xanthomonas citri. This approach is part of a broader strategy known as biological control, which aims to reduce the inoculum or disease-producing activity of a pathogen through natural means[2]. Biological control has gained traction as it offers a sustainable alternative to chemical pesticides, which can have adverse environmental effects. In this study, researchers isolated several strains of Bacillus from the rhizosphere soil, plant potting mixes, and organic compost. These Bacillus strains were chosen due to their known antagonistic properties against various phytopathogens[3]. The strains' genetic identities were determined using 16S rDNA sequences, and they were found to be closely related to the B. subtilis group. Among the isolated strains, TKS1-1 and WG6-14 showed promising results in reducing the symptoms of citrus canker. The effectiveness of these Bacillus strains was evaluated by applying an endospore formulation to the leaf surfaces of citrus plants. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of citrus canker. This reduction was attributed to the Bacillus strains' ability to decrease colonization and biofilm formation by Xanthomonas citri on leaf surfaces[3]. Biofilms are structured communities of bacteria that adhere to surfaces and are protected by a self-produced matrix, making them more resistant to external threats. By disrupting biofilm formation, the Bacillus strains effectively hindered the pathogen's ability to establish and cause disease. Previous studies have shown that Bacillus species can elicit induced systemic resistance (ISR) in plants, which enhances the plant's own defense mechanisms against a wide range of pathogens[2]. This study builds on that knowledge by demonstrating the practical application of Bacillus strains in controlling a specific and economically significant disease. The use of Bacillus subtilis DJM-51 to inhibit the growth of Clavibacter michiganense, a tomato pathogen, further supports the potential of Bacillus species in agricultural disease management[4]. The findings from Yasouj University provide valuable insights into the use of beneficial bacteria for managing citrus canker. By leveraging the natural antagonistic properties of Bacillus strains, this approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution to a pressing agricultural problem. The study underscores the importance of continued research into biological control methods and the potential for these strategies to be integrated into broader disease management programs.

AgricultureBiotechPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Biocontrol potential of epiphytic bacteria against Xanthomonas citri pathotypes A and A*

Published 13th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s41938-024-00795-3

Related Studies

2) Interactions of Bacillus spp. and plants--with special reference to induced systemic resistance (ISR).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2008.08.007

3) DNA polymorphisms and biocontrol of Bacillus antagonistic to citrus bacterial canker with indication of the interference of phyllosphere biofilms.

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0042124

4) Antibacterial activity of antagonistic bacterium Bacillus subtilis DJM-51 against phytopathogenic Clavibacter michiganense subsp. michiganense ATCC 7429 in vitro.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2014.10.008


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