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Pathogens
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Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications
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Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 September 2022) | Viewed by 48129

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Anton Hartmann

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biology, Microbe-Host Interactions, Ludwig-Maximilian-University (LMU), München, Germany
Interests: molecular microbial ecology; microbe-plant interactions; biological control; molecular signals between microbes and plants; relationships between opportunitistic human and plant pathogens and plant growth promoting bacteria; comparative genome analyses
Dr. Diogo Neves Proença

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: environmental microbiology; microbiomes; genomes; biobased products; biological control; taxonomy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biological control of phytopathogen attack involving microbial communities, single strains, or microbial secondary metabolites offers a sustainable alternative approach or supportive backup to disease control in agriculture or horticulture. However, more basic knowledge about the mechanisms involved is necessary before such approaches can widely and robustly applied. Plant microbiome studies and their integration with metabolomic and plant immune response research are bringing about new, in-depth understanding of complex interactions of beneficial and pathogenic microbes with plants leading to potential reduction or elimination of phytopathogens. Interactions within plant-colonizing microbial communities and between plants and their associated microbes are of further essential importance as they lead to balanced microbial colonization and plant health. An essential step for effective biocontrol is the colonization of plant surfaces (roots and leaves). In this process, quorum sensing regulation plays an important role in regulating the virulence of pathogens; thus, different quorum quenching activities from microbial and plant sides could enable the control of pathogen attack. From another perspective, quorum sensing signals produced by beneficial microbes could be used to improve plants‘ awareness to fight back against pathogen attack. This is highly relevant since many plants can recognize these molecules and initiate priming defensive reactions. Other secondary microbial metabolites have also been recognized to lead to priming responses of plants.

In this Special Issue, examples of different microbial biocontrol mechanisms (either via direct inhibition or displacement of pathogens or via stimulation of plant defense) leading to control of plant diseases are welcome. Furthermore, reports about applications of microbial inoculants for biocontrol—as well as the application of microbial metabolites or signaling molecules—in greenhouse and field experiments are possible.

Prof. Anton Hartmann
Dr. Diogo Neves Proença
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • phytopathogen
  • microbial colonization
  • biocontrol mechanisms
  • quorum sensing regulation
  • secondary microbial metabolites

Published Papers (16 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

3 pages, 194 KiB  
Editorial
Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications
by Anton Hartmann and Diogo Neves Proença
Pathogens 2023, 12(6), 783; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12060783 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1028
Abstract
According to the inherent ecological mechanisms within community structures, organismic interactions are mediated by chemical structures and signaling molecules as well as enzymatic activities targeting the vital activities of microbial competitors [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

12 pages, 1493 KiB  
Article
Nested PCR-Based Rapid Detection of Phytoplasma Leaf Wilt Disease of Coconut in Sri Lanka and Systemic Movement of the Pathogen
by Prasad R. De Silva, Chandrika N. Perera, Brian W. Bahder and Renuka N. Attanayake
Pathogens 2023, 12(2), 294; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12020294 - 10 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
Phytoplasmas are associated with many plant diseases. In palms, lethal bronzing disease, Texas Phoenix palm decline, and coconut lethal yellowing decline are some of them. In Sri Lanka, coconut leaf wilt decline has been reported in the Weligama area of the Southern province, [...] Read more.
Phytoplasmas are associated with many plant diseases. In palms, lethal bronzing disease, Texas Phoenix palm decline, and coconut lethal yellowing decline are some of them. In Sri Lanka, coconut leaf wilt decline has been reported in the Weligama area of the Southern province, and the disease is called Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease (WCLWD). Unlike other phytoplasma diseases of palms, WCLWD shows slow disease progress. Pathogen detection entirely relies on nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). However, inconsistencies in pathogen detection have been experienced, i.e., symptomatic plants often produce negative results. The objectives of this study were to reconsider the choice of primers and to determine the best sampling tissue types for consistent detection of the pathogen. Among the six universal primer combinations tested, P1/Tint nested with fU5/rU3 produced consistent results. BLASTn searches of the sequences showed 99–100% similarity to sugarcane white leaf disease (SWL) or grassy shoot (SGS) disease-causing phytoplasma. The optimized nested PCR protocol was successful, with the minimum success rating of 88% and 100% specificity. Midribs of milky white bud leaf samples were the best tissue type for rapid detection. Systemic movement of the pathogen and a tentative latent period were also reported. The findings are helpful in the early detection of the disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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20 pages, 3774 KiB  
Article
Potential Biocontrol Activities of Populus Endophytes against Several Plant Pathogens Using Different Inhibitory Mechanisms
by Sharon L. Doty, Pierre M. Joubert, Andrea Firrincieli, Andrew W. Sher, Robert Tournay, Carina Kill, Shruti S. Parikh and Patricia Okubara
Pathogens 2023, 12(1), 13; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens12010013 - 22 Dec 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2409
Abstract
The plant microbiome can be used to bolster plant defense against abiotic and biotic stresses. Some strains of endophytes, the microorganisms within plants, can directly inhibit the growth of plant fungal pathogens. A previously isolated endophyte from wild Populus (poplar), WPB of the [...] Read more.
The plant microbiome can be used to bolster plant defense against abiotic and biotic stresses. Some strains of endophytes, the microorganisms within plants, can directly inhibit the growth of plant fungal pathogens. A previously isolated endophyte from wild Populus (poplar), WPB of the species Burkholderia vietnamiensis, had robust in vitro antifungal activity against pathogen strains that are highly virulent and of concern to Pacific Northwest agriculture: Rhizoctonia solani AG-8, Fusarium culmorum 70110023, and Gaemannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt) ARS-A1, as well as activity against the oomycete, Pythium ultimum 217. A direct screening method was developed for isolation of additional anti-fungal endophytes from wild poplar extracts. By challenging pathogens directly with dilute extracts, eleven isolates were found to be inhibitory to at least two plant pathogen strains and were therefore chosen for further characterization. Genomic analysis was conducted to determine if these endophyte strains harbored genes known to be involved in antimicrobial activities. The newly isolated Bacillus strains had gene clusters for production of bacillomycin, fengicyn, and bacillibactin, while the gene cluster for the synthesis of sessilin, viscosin and tolaasin were found in the Pseudomonas strains. The biosynthesis gene cluster for occidiofungin (ocf) was present in the Burkholderia vietnamiensis WPB genome, and an ocf deletion mutant lost inhibitory activity against 3 of the 4 pathogens. The new isolates lacked the gene cluster for occidiofungin implying they employ different modes of action. Other symbiotic traits including nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, and the production of auxins and siderophores were investigated. Although it will be necessary to conduct in vivo tests of the candidates with pathogen-infected agricultural crops, the wild poplar tree microbiome may be a rich source of beneficial endophyte strains with potential for biocontrol applications against a variety of pathogens and utilizing varying modes of action. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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18 pages, 4803 KiB  
Article
Antagonism of Rhizosphere Streptomyces yangpuensis CM253 against the Pathogenic Fungi Causing Corm Rot in Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)
by Li Tian, Shuang Hu, Xingxing Wang, Yingqiu Guo, Luyang Huang, Lili Wang and Wankui Li
Pathogens 2022, 11(10), 1195; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11101195 - 16 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2335
Abstract
Plant diseases lead to a significant decline in the output and quality of Chinese herbal medicines. Actinomycetes play a vital role in the rhizosphere ecosystem. This is especially true for Streptomyces, which have become a valuable biological control resource because of their [...] Read more.
Plant diseases lead to a significant decline in the output and quality of Chinese herbal medicines. Actinomycetes play a vital role in the rhizosphere ecosystem. This is especially true for Streptomyces, which have become a valuable biological control resource because of their advantages in producing various secondary metabolites with novel structures and remarkable biological activities. The purpose of this study was to isolate an effective antagonistic actinomycete against the pathogen of corm rot in saffron. An antagonistic actinomycete, CM253, was screened from the rhizosphere soil samples of Crocus sativus, by plate co-culture with four pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, Penicillium citreosulfuratum, and Penicillium citrinum). CM253 inhibited the growth and development of F. oxysporum hyphae by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, by analyzing the degrading enzyme, the growth-promoting performance, and the whole genome of strain CM253, it was identified as Streptomyces yangpuensis, which produces NH3, protease, glucanase, cellulase, IAA, and ACC deaminase. In addition, 24 secondary metabolite synthesis gene clusters were predicted in antiSMASH. We identified genes encoding 2,3-butanediol; methionine; isoprene (metH, mmuM, ispEFH, gcpE, idi, and ilvABCDEH); biofilm formation; and colonization (upp, rfbBC, efp, aftA, pssA, pilD, fliA, and dhaM). Above all, S. yangpuensis CM253 showed the potential for future development as a biocontrol agent. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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15 pages, 1507 KiB  
Article
Impact of the Cultivation System and Plant Cultivar on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. Spelta L.) in a Short-Term Monoculture
by Justyna Bohacz, Teresa Korniłłowicz-Kowalska, Kamila Rybczyńska-Tkaczyk and Sylwia Andruszczak
Pathogens 2022, 11(8), 844; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11080844 - 28 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1467
Abstract
Native communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constitute a natural biofertilization, biocontrol, and bioprotection factor for most agricultural crops, including cereals. The present study investigated the native AMF population in cultivated spelt, i.e., a cereal that has not been analyzed in this respect [...] Read more.
Native communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constitute a natural biofertilization, biocontrol, and bioprotection factor for most agricultural crops, including cereals. The present study investigated the native AMF population in cultivated spelt, i.e., a cereal that has not been analyzed in this respect to date. In particular, the aim of the study was to determine the number of spores and the degree of AMF root colonization in two spelt cultivars (Franckenkorn and Badengold) from a 3-year monoculture grown in two different cultivation systems: conventional tillage and no-tillage systems. The study showed considerable accumulation of AMF spores in the soil (on average 1325 in 100 g of air-dry soil), with a wide range of their numbers, and not a very high degree of endomycorrhizal colonization (on average from 3.0% to 31%). The intensity of AMF growth in the subsequent cultivation years gradually increased and depended on the cultivation system as well as the growth stage and cultivar of the spelt. It was found that both analyzed AMF growth indices in the no-tillage system were positively correlated with each other. Moreover, their values were higher in the no-tillage system than in the conventional system, with statistical significance only for the number of spores. This was mainly observed in the variant with the Franckenkorn cultivar. The effect of the growing season was evident in both cultivation systems and spelt cultivars. It was reflected by intensification of sporulation and mycorrhization of spelt roots by AMF in summer (maturation stage) compared with the spring period (flowering stage). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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19 pages, 2752 KiB  
Article
The Role of Serratomolide-like Amino Lipids Produced by Bacteria of Genus Serratia in Nematicidal Activity
by Catarina Marques-Pereira, Diogo Neves Proença and Paula V. Morais
Pathogens 2022, 11(2), 198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11020198 - 01 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1912
Abstract
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, also known as pinewood nematode (PWN), is the pathogenic agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which affects pine trees around the world. Infection spread globally through international wood commerce and locally by vector beetles, threatening the wood world economy. As [...] Read more.
Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, also known as pinewood nematode (PWN), is the pathogenic agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), which affects pine trees around the world. Infection spread globally through international wood commerce and locally by vector beetles, threatening the wood world economy. As climate changes, more countries are becoming susceptible to PWD and, to prevent disease spread and limit economic and ecological losses, better knowledge about this pathogenic agent is needed. Serratia strains, present in the endophytic community of pine trees and carried by PWN, may play an important role in PWD. This work aimed to better understand the interaction between Serratia strains and B. xylophilus and to assess the nematicidal potential of serratomolide-like molecules produced by Serratia strains. Serrawettin gene presence was evaluated in selected Serratia strains. Mortality tests were performed with bacteria supernatants, and extracted amino lipids, against Caenorhabditis elegans (model organism) and B. xylophilus to determine their nematicidal potential. Attraction tests were performed with C. elegans. Concentrated supernatants of Serratia strains with serratamolide-like lipopeptides were able to kill more than 77% of B. xylophilus after 72 h. Eight specific amino lipids showed a high nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus. We conclude that, for some Serratia strains, their supernatants and specific amino lipids showed nematicidal activity against B. xylophilus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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15 pages, 1827 KiB  
Article
Biocontrol of Soil-Borne Pathogens of Solanum lycopersicum L. and Daucus carota L. by Plant Growth-Promoting Actinomycetes: In Vitro and In Planta Antagonistic Activity
by Rihab Djebaili, Marika Pellegrini, Claudia Ercole, Beatrice Farda, Mahmoud Kitouni and Maddalena Del Gallo
Pathogens 2021, 10(10), 1305; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10101305 - 12 Oct 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2864
Abstract
Biotic stress caused by pathogenic microorganisms leads to damage in crops. Tomato and carrot are among the most important vegetables cultivated worldwide. These plants are attacked by several pathogens, affecting their growth and productivity. Fourteen plant growth-promoting actinomycetes (PGPA) were screened for their [...] Read more.
Biotic stress caused by pathogenic microorganisms leads to damage in crops. Tomato and carrot are among the most important vegetables cultivated worldwide. These plants are attacked by several pathogens, affecting their growth and productivity. Fourteen plant growth-promoting actinomycetes (PGPA) were screened for their in vitro biocontrol activity against Solanum lycopersicum and Daucus carota microbial phytopathogens. Their antifungal activity was evaluated against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL) and Rhizoctonia solani (RHS). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Pseudomonas syringae, Pseudomonas corrugata, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, and Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. Strains that showed good in vitro results were further investigated in vitro (cell-free supernatants activity, scanning electron microscope observations of fungal inhibition). The consortium of the most active PGPA was then utilized as biocontrol agents in planta experiments on S. lycopersicum and D. carota. The Streptomyces albidoflavus H12 and Nocardiopsis aegyptica H14 strains showed the best in vitro biocontrol activities. The diffusible and volatile compounds and cell-free supernatants of these strains showed both antifungal (in vitro inhibition up to 85%, hyphal desegregation and fungicidal properties) and antibacterial activity (in vitro inhibition >25 mm and bactericidal properties). Their consortium was also able to counteract the infection symptoms of microbial phytopathogens during in planta experiments, improving plant status. The results obtained highlight the efficacy of the selected actinomycetes strains as biocontrol agents of S. lycopersicum and D. carota. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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14 pages, 9510 KiB  
Article
Interactions between Indigenous Endophyte Bacillus subtilis L1-21 and Nutrients inside Citrus in Reducing Huanglongbing Pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter Asiaticus
by Suhail Asad, Pengbo He, Pengfei He, Yongmei Li, Yixin Wu, Ayesha Ahmed, Yunyue Wang, Shahzad Munir and Yueqiu He
Pathogens 2021, 10(10), 1304; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10101304 - 12 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2035
Abstract
Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) brings a great concern about the phloem nutrient transport in diseased plants. There is an urgent need to find the best management strategies to reduce the losses in the citrus industry worldwide. Endophytic bacteria [...] Read more.
Huanglongbing (HLB) pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) brings a great concern about the phloem nutrient transport in diseased plants. There is an urgent need to find the best management strategies to reduce the losses in the citrus industry worldwide. Endophytic bacteria are negatively affected by CLas pathogen, and these endophytes are associated with improved availability of nutrients and pathogen resistance. This study underpins the relationship between CLas pathogen, endophyte population and nutrients availability in citrus plants. The citrus plants were treated with Bacillus subtilis L1-21 and Hoagland solution to find out synergism efficacy to mitigate citrus HLB. We showed that citrus shoots in the presence of 50% Hoagland solution displayed maximum number of endophytes with 6.28 × 103 to 3.04 × 105 CFU/g. Among 50 candidate strains, B. subtilis L1-21 emerged as potential antagonist against surrogate strain Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri. The citrus half-leaf method identified that application of endophyte L1-21 with 50% Hoagland solution successfully reduces the CLas abundance. We point out that this combination results in a higher number of endophytes population with 2.52 × 104 to 9.11 × 106 CFU/g after 60 days, and reduces CLas pathogen abundance in asymptomatic HLB plants. In HLB symptomatic citrus plants, B. subtilis L1-21 potentially increases the endophyte population from 1.11 × 104 to 5.26 × 107 CFU/g in the presence of Hoagland solution, and pathogen abundance was reduced from 9.51 × 105 to 1.06 × 104 copies/g. Altogether, we suggested that the presence of endophyte L1-21 with Hoagland solution is more effective in HLB asymptomatic citrus plants, but a slight reduction of pathogen was observed in symptomatic plants. The findings revealed the role of indigenous citrus endophyte B. subtilis L1-21 along with other nutrients in the reduction of CLas pathogen abundance inside symptomatic and asymptomatic plants in citrus endophyte–nutrient–pathogen interplay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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29 pages, 2780 KiB  
Article
Piriformospora indica Primes Onion Response against Stemphylium Leaf Blight Disease
by Praveen Roylawar, Kiran Khandagale, Pragati Randive, Bharat Shinde, Chandrashekhar Murumkar, Avinash Ade, Major Singh, Suresh Gawande and Massimiliano Morelli
Pathogens 2021, 10(9), 1085; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10091085 - 26 Aug 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4756
Abstract
The root-endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica (=Serendipita indica) has been revealed for its growth-promoting effects and its capacity to induce resistance in a broad spectrum of host plants. However, the bioefficacy of this fungus had not yet been tested against any pathogen [...] Read more.
The root-endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica (=Serendipita indica) has been revealed for its growth-promoting effects and its capacity to induce resistance in a broad spectrum of host plants. However, the bioefficacy of this fungus had not yet been tested against any pathogen affecting onion (Allium cepa). In this study, the biocontrol potency of P. indica against onion leaf blight, an impacting disease caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium, was evaluated. First, it was proved that colonisation of onion roots by P. indica was beneficial for plant growth, as it increased leaf development and root biomass. Most relevantly, P. indica was also effective in reducing Stemphylium leaf blight (SLB) severity, as assessed under greenhouse conditions and confirmed in field trials in two consecutive years. These investigations could also provide some insight into the biochemical and molecular changes that treatment with P. indica induces in the main pathways associated with host defence response. It was possible to highlight the protective effect of P. indica colonisation against peroxidative damage, and its role in signalling oxidative stress, by assessing changes in malondialdehyde and H2O2 content. It was also showed that treatment with P. indica contributes to modulate the enzymatic activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and peroxidase, in the course of infection. qPCR-based expression analysis of defence-related genes AcLOX1, AcLOX2, AcPAL1, AcGST, AcCHI, AcWRKY1, and AcWRKY70 provided further indications on P. indica ability to induce onion systemic response. Based on the evidence gathered, this study aims to propose P. indica application as a sustainable tool for improving SLB control, which might not only enhance onion growth performance but also activate defence signalling mechanisms more effectively, involving different pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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10 pages, 1970 KiB  
Article
Antifungal Activity of Cyclic Tetrapeptide from Bacillus velezensis CE 100 against Plant Pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
by Vantha Choub, Chaw Ei Htwe Maung, Sang-Jae Won, Jae-Hyun Moon, Kil Yong Kim, Yeon Soo Han, Jeong-Yong Cho and Young Sang Ahn
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 209; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10020209 - 15 Feb 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3415
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of a cyclic tetrapeptide from Bacillus velezensis CE 100 against anthracnose-causing fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Antifungal compound produced by B. velezensis CE 100 was isolated and purified from ethyl acetate extract [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of a cyclic tetrapeptide from Bacillus velezensis CE 100 against anthracnose-causing fungal pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Antifungal compound produced by B. velezensis CE 100 was isolated and purified from ethyl acetate extract of B. velezensis CE 100 culture broth using octadecylsilane column chromatography. The purified compound was identified as cyclo-(prolyl-valyl-alanyl-isoleucyl) based on mass spectrometer and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. This is the first report of the isolation of a cyclic tetrapeptide from B. velezensis CE 100 culture filtrate. Cyclic tetrapeptide displayed strong antifungal activity at concentration of 1000 µg/mL against C. gloeosporioides mycelial growth and spore germination. Our results demonstrate that the antifungal cyclic tetrapeptide from B. velezensis CE 100 has potential in bioprotection against anthracnose disease of plants caused by C. gloeosporioides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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9 pages, 1261 KiB  
Communication
Plant Health and Sound Vibration: Analyzing Implications of the Microbiome in Grape Wine Leaves
by Birgit Wassermann, Lise Korsten and Gabriele Berg
Pathogens 2021, 10(1), 63; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10010063 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4744
Abstract
Understanding the plant microbiome is a key for plant health and controlling pathogens. Recent studies have shown that plants are responsive towards natural and synthetic sound vibration (SV) by perception and signal transduction, which resulted in resistance towards plant pathogens. However, whether or [...] Read more.
Understanding the plant microbiome is a key for plant health and controlling pathogens. Recent studies have shown that plants are responsive towards natural and synthetic sound vibration (SV) by perception and signal transduction, which resulted in resistance towards plant pathogens. However, whether or not native plant microbiomes respond to SV and the underlying mechanism thereof remains unknown. Within the present study we compared grapevine-associated microbiota that was perpetually exposed to classical music with a non-exposed control group from the same vineyard in Stellenbosch, South Africa. By analyzing the 16S rRNA gene and ITS fragment amplicon libraries we found differences between the core microbiome of SV-exposed leaves and the control group. For several of these different genera, e.g., Bacillus, Kocuria and Sphingomonas, a host-beneficial or pathogen-antagonistic effect has been well studied. Moreover, abundances of taxa identified as potential producers of volatile organic compounds that contribute to sensory characteristics of wines, e.g., Methylobacterium, Sphingomonas, Bacillus and Sporobolomyces roseus, were either increased or even unique within the core music-exposed phyllosphere population. Results show an as yet unexplored avenue for improved plant health and the terroir of wine, which are important for environmentally friendly horticulture and consumer appreciation. Although our findings explain one detail of the long-term positive experience to improve grapevine’s resilience by this unusual but innovative technique, more mechanistic studies are necessary to understand the whole interplay. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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12 pages, 2095 KiB  
Article
A Siderophore Analog of Fimsbactin from Acinetobacter Hinders Growth of the Phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringae and Induces Systemic Priming of Immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana
by Fabrice Betoudji, Taha Abd El Rahman, Marvin J. Miller, Manuka Ghosh, Mario Jacques, Kamal Bouarab and François Malouin
Pathogens 2020, 9(10), 806; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens9100806 - 30 Sep 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2778
Abstract
Siderophores produced in soil by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) play several roles, including nutrient mobilizers and can be useful as plants defense elicitors. We investigated the role of a synthetic mixed ligand bis-catechol-mono-hydroxamate siderophore (SID) that mimics the chemical structure of a natural [...] Read more.
Siderophores produced in soil by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) play several roles, including nutrient mobilizers and can be useful as plants defense elicitors. We investigated the role of a synthetic mixed ligand bis-catechol-mono-hydroxamate siderophore (SID) that mimics the chemical structure of a natural siderophore, fimsbactin, produced by Acinetobacter spp. in the resistance against the phytopathogen Pseudomonas syringaepv tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000), in Arabidopsis thaliana. We first tested the antibacterial activity of SID against Pst DC3000 in vitro. After confirming that SID had antibacterial activity against Pst DC3000, we tested whether the observed in vitro activity could translate into resistance of Arabidopsis to Pst DC3000, using bacterial loads as endpoints in a plant infection model. Furthermore, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we explored the molecular actors involved in the resistance of Arabidopsis induced by SID. Finally, to assure that SID would not interfere with PGPRs, we tested in vitro the influence of SID on the growth of a reference PGPR, Bacillus subtilis. We report here that SID is an antibacterial agent as well as an inducer of systemic priming of resistance in A. thaliana against Pst DC3000, and that SID can, at the same time, promote growth of a PGPR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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Review

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6 pages, 480 KiB  
Review
Application and Development of Biocontrol Agents in China
by Jiaxuan Meng, Xiuyu Zhang, Xingshan Han and Ben Fan
Pathogens 2022, 11(10), 1120; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens11101120 - 29 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1877
Abstract
While the growing population in the world has a large demand for food, agriculture and forestry are currently facing severe challenges due to phytopathogens and pests along with global warming. For half a century chemical pesticides and fertilizers have made a great contribution [...] Read more.
While the growing population in the world has a large demand for food, agriculture and forestry are currently facing severe challenges due to phytopathogens and pests along with global warming. For half a century chemical pesticides and fertilizers have made a great contribution to agricultural production. However, the excessive use of chemical agents has caused obvious side effects on the environment and the sustainable development of agriculture in the long term. China has recorded one of the fastest economic growths for more than 20 years but at the cost of a seriously polluted environment. Since a decade ago, China has paid increasing attention to environment protection and taken intensified measures for pollution control and ecological restoration. In this context, the biocontrol agent industry in China has experienced a golden decade of rapid development. In this minireview, we will introduce the application and development of microorganism-based biocontrol agents in China over the past two decades. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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21 pages, 1472 KiB  
Review
C4 Bacterial Volatiles Improve Plant Health
by Bruno Henrique Silva Dias, Sung-Hee Jung, Juliana Velasco de Castro Oliveira and Choong-Min Ryu
Pathogens 2021, 10(6), 682; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10060682 - 31 May 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4507
Abstract
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) associated with plant roots can trigger plant growth promotion and induced systemic resistance. Several bacterial determinants including cell-wall components and secreted compounds have been identified to date. Here, we review a group of low-molecular-weight volatile compounds released by PGPR, [...] Read more.
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) associated with plant roots can trigger plant growth promotion and induced systemic resistance. Several bacterial determinants including cell-wall components and secreted compounds have been identified to date. Here, we review a group of low-molecular-weight volatile compounds released by PGPR, which improve plant health, mostly by protecting plants against pathogen attack under greenhouse and field conditions. We particularly focus on C4 bacterial volatile compounds (BVCs), such as 2,3-butanediol and acetoin, which have been shown to activate the plant immune response and to promote plant growth at the molecular level as well as in large-scale field applications. We also disc/ uss the potential applications, metabolic engineering, and large-scale fermentation of C4 BVCs. The C4 bacterial volatiles act as airborne signals and therefore represent a new type of biocontrol agent. Further advances in the encapsulation procedure, together with the development of standards and guidelines, will promote the application of C4 volatiles in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 6665 KiB  
Review
Can Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) be a Game Changer in Tropical Agriculture?
by A. K. Hasith Priyashantha and Renuka N. Attanayake
Pathogens 2021, 10(2), 133; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10020133 - 28 Jan 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3713
Abstract
Anaerobic soil disinfection (ASD) has been identified as an alternative soil-borne pathogen control strategy to chemical fumigation. ASD involves the application of an easily liable carbon source followed by irrigation to field capacity and maintenance of an anaerobic condition for a certain period. [...] Read more.
Anaerobic soil disinfection (ASD) has been identified as an alternative soil-borne pathogen control strategy to chemical fumigation. ASD involves the application of an easily liable carbon source followed by irrigation to field capacity and maintenance of an anaerobic condition for a certain period. A literature search undertaken on ASD found that more than 50 comprehensive research projects have been conducted since its first discovery in 2000. Most of these studies were conducted in the USA and in the Netherlands. Though the exact mechanism of ASD in pathogen control is unknown, promising results have been reported against a wide range of pathogens such as fungi, nematodes, protists, and oomycetes. However, it is interesting to note that, except for a few studies, ASD research in the developing world and in the tropical countries has lagged behind. Nevertheless, with soil quality depletion, reduction in arable lands, and exponential population growth, a drastic change to the current agricultural practices should be adapted since yield gain has reached a plateau for major staple crops. Under such circumstances, we identified the gaps and the potentials of ASD in tropical agricultural systems and proposed promising biodegradable materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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12 pages, 279 KiB  
Opinion
Importance of N-Acyl-Homoserine Lactone-Based Quorum Sensing and Quorum Quenching in Pathogen Control and Plant Growth Promotion
by Anton Hartmann, Sophia Klink and Michael Rothballer
Pathogens 2021, 10(12), 1561; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/pathogens10121561 - 30 Nov 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2921
Abstract
The biological control of plant pathogens is linked to the composition and activity of the plant microbiome. Plant-associated microbiomes co-evolved with land plants, leading to plant holobionts with plant-beneficial microbes but also with plant pathogens. A diverse range of plant-beneficial microbes assists plants [...] Read more.
The biological control of plant pathogens is linked to the composition and activity of the plant microbiome. Plant-associated microbiomes co-evolved with land plants, leading to plant holobionts with plant-beneficial microbes but also with plant pathogens. A diverse range of plant-beneficial microbes assists plants to reach their optimal development and growth under both abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Communication within the plant holobiont plays an important role, and besides plant hormonal interactions, quorum-sensing signalling of plant-associated microbes plays a central role. Quorum-sensing (QS) autoinducers, such as N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHL) of Gram-negative bacteria, cause a pronounced interkingdom signalling effect on plants, provoking priming processes of pathogen defence and insect pest control. However, plant pathogenic bacteria also use QS signalling to optimise their virulence; these QS activities can be controlled by quorum quenching (QQ) and quorum-sensing inhibition (QSI) approaches by accompanying microbes and also by plants. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have also been shown to demonstrate QQ activity. In addition, some PGPB only harbour genes for AHL receptors, so-called luxR-solo genes, which can contribute to plant growth promotion and biological control. The presence of autoinducer solo receptors may reflect ongoing microevolution processes in microbe–plant interactions. Different aspects of QS systems in bacteria–plant interactions of plant-beneficial and pathogenic bacteria will be discussed, and practical applications of bacteria with AHL-producing or -quenching activity; QS signal molecules stimulating pathogen control and plant growth promotion will also be presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control of Phytopathogens: Mechanisms and Applications)
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