An unusual Xanthophyllomyces strain from leaves of Eucalyptus globulus in Chile

Xanthophyllomyces sp. was isolated as an epiphytic red yeast from leaves of Eucalyptus glo-bulus in Concepción, Chile. Sexual reproduction was by basidiospores produced from one or rarely two metabasidia arising from a yeast cell without preceding paedogamy. The main carotenoid pigment was astaxanthin. This isolate did not cluster with the X. dendrorhous complex (including Phaffia rhodozyma) in ITS and 26S rDNA-based phylogenetic analyses. The phylloplane may be a further habitat for Xanthophyllomyces, in addition to the well-known spring sap-flows of deciduous trees and the recently-characterised ascostromata of Cyttaria hariotii.     

海南高隆湾红树林及其近岸海域沉积物的弗兰克氏菌(Frankia)多样性分布及其与环境因子的关系

弗兰克氏菌(Frankia)因其独特高效的固氮效率而备受关注,然而目前的研究还局限于陆地生境。基于nifH基因采用高通量测序对高隆湾红树林及其近岸海域沉积物的Frankia多样性进行分析,共获得261条属于Frankia的nifH序列,共11个OTUs,序列主要分布在红树林区样品,其中以角果木和红海榄为优势树种的红树林样品中序列较多,在潮间带样品中也有少量分布,海草区样品未检测到,序列在不同生境中的分布存在较大差异。OTU818在10个站位都有分布,说明OTU818代表的Frankia类群分布比较广泛,且为红树林沉积物的优势类群。系统进化分析表明Frankia与NCBI数据库中的Frankia基因序列在系统发育树上形成不同分支。通过Network分析Frankia与其他细菌类群的共发生关系,发现Frankia与来自Verrucomicrobia、Proteobacteria、Firmicutes、Cyanobacteria的多种固氮细菌类群存在紧密联系,表明Frankia在稳定红树林固氮细菌群落结构中起着重要作用。利用典范对应分析(canonical correspondence an...     

In vitro evaluation of the effects of cysticidal drugs in the Taenia crassiceps cysticerci ORF strain using the fluorescent CellTracker CMFDA

Using a murine model of cysticercosis caused by the Taenia crassiceps ORF strain, we developed a fluorescent quantitative evaluation of the action of two well known anti-helminthic drugs: albendazole sulfoxide and praziquantel. The fluorescence emitted by a biotransformed CellTracker Probe known as CellTracker Green CMFDA in the vesicular fluids of cysticerci was estimated, and the results were compared with macroscopic observations of the parasites. The pharmacological EC₅₀ value of each drug and changes in the level of biotransformation of the fluorescent tracker caused by the drugs could be easily calculated. These drug-induced changes in biotransformation could be related to changes in the GSH/GSSG ratio of parasites. Both the cysticercosis murine model and the CMFDA biotransformation assay could be used as an in vitro screening method to evaluate potential or well known cysticidal drugs.     

Hymenopteran specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis strain PS86Q3

The biological activity of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strain PS86Q3 against five Hymenopteran species was determined by means of bioassays adapted to each species. Four species of sawfly that are important pests of conifers (Diprion pini, Gilpinia hercyniae and Pristiphora abietina) or ornamental plants (Arge rosae), as well as the non-target honeybee, Apis mellifera, were studied. Two out of the four sawfly species tested were found to be sensitive to PS86Q3 crystals or spore/crystal suspensions. A sporulated culture of this strain was moderately active on D. pini, and a complete bioassay with solubilized crystals was performed to estimate the LC₅₀ of 4.9 mg/ml. Pristiphora abietina was also found to be sensitive to PS86Q3, with an LC₅₀ of 1.6 mg/ml. By contrast, at the concentrations tested, PS86Q3 did not prove active on the remaining sawflies, G. hercyniae and A. rosae. The strain was administered orally to check its effects on honeybees which were fed sucrose solutions supplemented with a PS86Q3 sporulated suspension, in a field assay using commercial beehives. No significant differences in larval mortality (as deduced by comparing the number of larvae, pupae and empty cells) were found between the Bt and control treatments. On the basis of the results presented here, the suitability of PS86Q3 for the control of Hymenopteran pests, particularly sawflies, in terms of both potency and environmental safety, is discussed.     

Interaction between uranium and the cytochrome c 3 of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain G20

Cytochrome c₃ of Desulfovibrio desulfuricans strain G20 is an electron carrier for uranium (VI) reduction. When D. desulfuricans G20 was grown in medium containing a non-lethal concentration of uranyl acetate (1 mM), the rate at which the cells reduced U(VI) was decreased compared to cells grown in the absence of uranium. Western analysis did not detect cytochrome c₃ in periplasmic extracts from cells grown in the presence of uranium. The expression of this predominant tetraheme cytochrome was not detectably altered by uranium during growth of the cells as monitored through a translational fusion of the gene encoding cytochrome c₃ (cycA) to lacZ. Instead, cytochrome c₃ protein was found tightly associated with insoluble U(IV), uraninite, after the periplasmic contents of cells were harvested by a pH shift. The association of cytochrome c₃ with U(IV) was interpreted to be non-specific, since pure cytochrome c₃ adsorbed to other insoluble metal oxides, including cupric oxide (CuO), ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), and commercially available U(IV) oxide.An erratum to this article can be found at     

Biological control of crown rot of bananas with Pichia anomala strain K and Candida oleophila strain O

The antagonistic activity of two yeast strains (Pichia anomala (E.C. Hansen) Kurtzman, strain K and Candida oleophila Montrocher, strain O) against the parasitic complex responsible for banana crown rot was evaluated. The strains were applied at three different concentrations (10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ cfu/ml) and their efficacy tested in vivo on three separate fungi (Colletotrichum musae (Berk. & Curt.) Arx, Fusarium moniliforme Sheldon, and Cephalosporium sp.) and on a parasitic complex formed by association of these three fungi. At the concentrations used C. musae appeared to be the most pathogenic. The complex showed intermediate aggressiveness between C. musae and both other fungi.Statistically significant antagonistic effects were observed on C. musae, F. moniliforme, and the fungal complex. The highest protection level (54.4%) was observed with strain O added at 10⁸ cfu/ml on crowns previously inoculated with the fungal complex. The level was lower when the fungi were inoculated separately.Furthermore, the antagonistic effect was strongly reinforced when strain O at 10⁸ cfu/ml was applied 24 h before fungal complex inoculation (59.9%), as compared to its application 15 min (24.3%) or 3 h (27.3%) after fungal complex inoculation. Bananas showed increased susceptibility to the fungal complex from March to June, and this influenced the level of protection by yeast, which decreased over the same period. A strict negative correlation (R² = 0.83) was highlighted between susceptibility of banana to crown rot and protection provided by yeast.     

反刍动物瘤胃中主要厌氧真核微生物尖尾内毛虫的体外培养方法

【目的】开发一种稳定可控的从反刍动物瘤胃中分离、培养真核微生物尖尾内毛虫的技术方法,为原生动物瘤胃纤毛虫内毛虫的种质资源储备和生理功能研究提供足够的实验材料。【方法】首先采用瘤胃插管法从武汉地区奶牛瘤胃中采集瘤胃液,并通过微孔滤网过滤法逐级分离富集瘤胃纤毛虫尖尾内毛虫,然后用本研究改良的SP培养基在厌氧培养瓶中对所分离富集的尖尾内毛虫进行体外培养,经过纯化培养和单种培养获得瘤胃纤毛虫尖尾内毛虫武汉分离株系的单一种培养体系。其次,结合形态观察和18S rRNA基因测序进行物种鉴定及系统发育分析。最后,采用对半转移培养法计算单种培养的尖尾内毛虫武汉分离株系的世代时间。【结果】从奶牛的瘤胃液中分离、培养得到一个尖尾内毛虫武汉分离株系的体外单种培养体系。本研究所用改良SP培养基由改良SP盐溶液、无原虫瘤胃液上清、半胱氨酸盐酸盐、抗生素、淀粉和草粉等组合而成,虫体在此培养基中由起始接种密度320个/ml经16 d培养可实现最高培养密度37 000个/ml的单种培养,而且可进行稳定生长传代增殖。基于形态观察、18S rRNA基因的同源搜索和系统发育分析表明,本研究所培养的虫体为尖尾内毛虫武汉分离株系,命名为Entodinium caudatum strain WH。尖尾内毛虫武汉分离株系的世代时间为19.0 h。【结论】本研究成功建立反刍动物瘤胃内主要真核微生物瘤胃纤毛虫的单种体外培养方法,实现尖尾内毛虫武汉分离株系的实验室稳定可控培养,为深入开展瘤胃纤毛虫种质资源的探索和尖尾内毛虫的功能研究提供足够的实验材料。     

巴西橡胶树HbSUT3和HbSUT5 mRNA在嫩茎和中脉中的原位杂交分析

为研究巴西橡胶树(Hevea brasiliensis)中HbSUT3和HbSUT5基因的功能,采用地高辛标记的RNA探针与橡胶树嫩茎和中脉两种组织切片分别进行RNA原位杂交,对这2种SUT基因在组织中的表达区域与表达特点进行了分析。结果表明,在橡胶树嫩茎中,两个SUT基因主要在树皮的韧皮部和皮层细胞中表达;在中脉中,两个SUT基因在除木质部导管系统外的其它部位均有表达;HbSUT3基因在嫩茎和中脉中的表达量相近,而HbSUT5基因在嫩茎中的表达量远高于中脉。这些揭示HbSUT3和HbSUT5基因可能广泛参与韧皮部装载、蔗糖运输与库细胞供给等活动,同时两个SUT基因也存在功能分化。     

长穗偃麦草EeSKOR启动子的克隆及功能分析

为了研究外整流钾通道蛋白(stelar K⁺ outward rectifier channels,SKOR)基因SKOR在长穗偃麦草中的功能,利用热不对称交错PCR(Tail PCR)技术,克隆了长穗偃麦草EeSKOR启动子,并进行启动子顺式作用元件及基因表达分析。结果表明：(1)成功获得长穗偃麦草EeSKOR基因起始密码子上游798 bp启动子序列,命名为pEeSKOR。 (2)EeSKOR启动子除必须具备的核心启动元件外,还含有特异转录因子结合位点、植物激素响应元件、光响应元件、组织特异的启动元件和胁迫响应元件。(3)成功构建植物表达载体pEeSKOR∷GUS,经农杆菌介导的瞬时转化,EeSKOR启动子驱动GUS报告基因可在拟南芥的叶、叶柄和根中表达。(4)实时定量PCR检测显示,在NaCl、PEG、ABA和SA处理下长穗偃麦草EeSKOR基因在根中呈现不同的表达模式,NaCl处理下EeSKOR的表达量呈先下调后上调趋势;PEG处理下EeSKOR的表达量呈上调趋势,且随着时间的延长显著上调;ABA处理下EeSKOR的表达受到抑制且随处理时间延长呈显著下调趋势;SA处理下EeSKOR表现出先上调后下调趋势,且在处理72 h时表达量显著低于正常表达水平。研究认为,EeSKOR基因的表达受NaCl、PEG、ABA和SA的诱导调节。该研究结果为进一步系统研究长穗偃麦草EeSKOR基因功能提供重要理论依据。     

Sequence analysis of rice rubi3 promoter gene expression cassettes for improved transgene expression

In a construct containing a GUS reporter gene driven by the 5′ regulatory elements from rubi3, expression was enhanced 4-fold when a 20-nucleotide (nt) GUS 5′ untranslated sequence was replaced with 9 nt sequences derived from rubi3′s second exon. The roles of the sequences immediately upstream from the GUS translation initiation codon, and their significance in gene expression, were investigated. Sequence analysis suggests that complementarity between sequences immediately 5′ of a translation initiation codon and the rice 17S rRNA may be responsible for the reduction in protein levels from constructs containing the GUS leader sequence. The results demonstrate an affect sequences immediately upstream from transgenic coding sequences have on expression, and when using the rubi3 5′ regulatory sequence in particular.     

Fusarium head blight biological control with Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3

Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by Fusarium graminearum (= Gibberella zeae), is a destructive disease of wheat for which biological controls are needed. Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3, a bacterial antagonist of fungal pathogens via lytic enzymes and induced resistance, was evaluated in this study for control of FHB. In greenhouse experiments, chitin broth cultures of C3 reduced FHB severity to <10% infected spikelets as compared to >80% severity in the controls in some experiments. C3 broth cultures heated to inactivate cells and lytic enzymes, but retaining the elicitor factor for induced resistance, also were effective in reducing FHB severity, suggesting induced resistance is one mechanism of action. C3 broth cultures also were effective when applied in highly diluted form and when applied 1 week prior to pathogen inoculation. When applied to 8 cultivars of hard red spring wheat in the greenhouse, C3 treatments reduced FHB in 5 cultivars but not in the others. These findings also are consistent with induced resistance. Protection offered by C3 treatments, however, was not systemic and required that C3 be applied uniformly to all susceptible florets. Field tests were conducted in South Dakota and Nebraska to evaluate the efficacy of C3 chitin broth cultures in spring and winter wheat, respectively. In experiments involving two hard red spring wheat cultivars, treatment with C3 reduced FHB severity in ‘Russ’ but not in ‘Ingot’. In three other field experiments comparing C3, the fungicide tebuconazole, and the combination of C3 and tebuconazole, treatments with the bacterial culture alone and the fungicide alone were inconsistent across experiments, each treatment being ineffective in controlling FHB in one experiment. The biocontrol agent–fungicide combination was more consistently effective, reducing FHB incidence or severity in all three experiments. Thus, the potential for using L. enzymogenes C3 as a biological control agent for FHB was demonstrated along with a number of factors that might affect control efficacy in the field.     

一株链霉菌21-1的分离鉴定及其对禾谷镰刀菌的抑菌活性

【背景】由禾谷镰刀菌(Fusarium graminearum)引起的小麦赤霉病严重威胁我国的小麦生产。【目的】筛选对禾谷镰刀菌具有拮抗能力的链霉菌菌株,为生防菌剂开发提供理论基础。【方法】利用平板对峙法筛选对禾谷镰刀菌具有拮抗能力的链霉菌;通过形态特征、生理生化特征和16S rRNA基因序列分析对其进行鉴定;通过病原菌菌丝生长、孢子产生及萌发抑制试验分析其发酵液的抑菌活性;利用人工接种试验测定该菌株发酵液的防病效果。【结果】筛选到一株对禾谷镰刀菌具有较强拮抗活性的链霉菌21-1,抑菌率为59.5%。依据形态特征、生理生化特性和16S rRNA基因序列分析,将该菌株鉴定为黄三素链霉菌(Streptomycesflavotricini)。菌株21-1发酵液能够抑制禾谷镰刀菌的菌丝生长、孢子产生及萌发过程,而且可以降低禾谷镰刀菌菌丝中可溶性蛋白质的含量,并增加丙二醛的含量。菌株21-1可以产生蛋白酶及纤维素酶。菌株21-1菌液10倍稀释液对小麦赤霉病的防效最佳,为70.1%。此外,菌株21-1发酵液对其他8种植物病原菌均有较好的抑制作用。【结论】菌株21-1对禾谷镰刀菌有较好的抑菌活性,具...     

一种适用于链霉菌异源合成基因簇同框缺失的高效方法

【背景】对抗生素生物合成途径的阐明有助于提高目标化合物的产量并开发具有更高活性的新化合物。基因的同框缺失是天然产物生物合成研究的常规手段,通过分析突变菌株积累的中间产物,可以帮助推导天然产物的合成途径及相关基因的功能。天然产物生物合成基因簇的大小一般在20 kb以上,对每个基因进行同框缺失耗时耗力,因此,优化链霉菌来源的基因同框缺失的方法有重要的意义。【目的】基于PCR-targeting重新设计了一套在链霉菌柯斯文库质粒上进行基因同框缺失的方法,实现链霉菌基因在大肠杆菌中快速、高效的基因同框缺失的技术体系。【方法】使用氨苄青霉素抗性基因bla作为PCR-targeting DNA片段的筛选标记,同时使用体外的Pac I酶切和酶连系统代替体内的Flp/FRT系统来介导同框缺失的构建。【结果】利用这种方法,在6 d内完成了米多霉素生物合成基因簇中14个基因的同框缺失。【结论】此方法与传统的PCR-targeting方法相比,构建同框缺失载体的效率明显提高;Pac I识别序列在链霉菌基因组上的稀有性使得此方法在构建抗生素生物合成基因簇必需基因的同框缺失载体上具有普适性。     

一株拮抗黄单胞菌的贝莱斯芽孢杆菌的分离和鉴定

【目的】为了筛选防治水稻条斑病(bacterial leaf streak,BLS)的生防细菌。【方法】以水稻条斑病菌(Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola,Xoc)的模式菌株RS105为靶标菌,采用平板稀释和抑菌圈法,从空心菜根际土壤中筛选到一株对RS105具有拮抗作用的细菌菌株504。通过形态学、生理生化特征以及16SrDNA和gyrA序列分析对菌株504进行了鉴定。利用牛津杯法测定504对植物病原黄单胞菌的拮抗活性及其无菌发酵液拮抗活性的稳定性。通过PCR扩增预测504编码合成脂肽类和聚酮类化合物的合成相关基因。采用苗期水稻注射接菌法来评价水稻组织中504对Xoc的拮抗活性。【结果】菌株鉴定结果表明504为贝莱斯芽孢杆菌,命名为Bacillusvelezensis504。抑菌实验显示,B.velezensis504对黄单胞菌属的细菌具有较好的抑菌活性,对水稻白叶枯病菌(X. oryzae pv. oryzae,Xoo)的拮抗效果最显著。基因预测结果显示,B. velezensis 504含有fenA、dhbA、sfrA、bmyA、beaS、dfnA及bacA等编码脂肽类和聚酮糖类抑菌化合物的基因簇。其无菌发酵液的活性物质耐高温和蛋白酶降解,但不耐强酸、强碱,在pH值为5.5–8.9时仍具有稳定的拮抗活性。在高感水稻品种原丰早上,B. velezensis 504对Xoc在水稻叶片中引起的水渍症状具有显著的抑制作用。【结论】B. velezensis 504能够特异性拮抗黄单胞菌,在黄单胞菌引起的细菌性病害的生物防治中将具有较大的应用潜力。     

稗草生防菌株NX1的生物学特性及致病性研究

【目的】稗草是我国农田危害最严重的恶性杂草之一,化学除草剂的长期使用导致杂草抗药性上升、环境污染等诸多生态环境问题,因此开发绿色、环境友好的高效除草剂显得十分必要且迫切。【方法】采用常规组织分离法、形态学观察和分子生物学方法鉴定NX1菌株,并采用多元统计分析方法研究NX1菌株的致病性及其影响因素。【结果】经鉴定NX1菌株可能为弯孢属新种(Curvularia sp.)。该病原菌在25−30 、pH为5−11的条件下均能生长和产孢,其中,在pH为9、30 条件下产孢量最高。光照条件虽然不影响菌丝的生长,但连续光照条件有利于NX1菌株产孢。NX1菌株在不同碳源、氮源条件下都能生长,其中对玉米粉和硝酸钠的利用效果最好。室内生防试验表明,湿度、稗草叶龄、光照时间及孢子浓度均是显著影响NX1菌株致病性的因素,其中湿度是最关键的因素。作物安全性试验表明,该菌株的分生孢子液对水稻、油菜、辣椒和茄安全。【结论】综上所述,菌株NX1对环境和营养条件要求不高,适合工业化生产及田间应用,具有开发成为生物除草剂的潜力。     

The effect of blueberry extracts on Giardia duodenalis viability and spontaneous excystation of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, in vitro

The protozoan parasites Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium parvum are common causes of diarrhoea, worldwide. Effective drug treatment is available for G. duodenalis, but with anecdotal evidence of resistance or reduced compliance. There is no effective specific chemotherapeutic intervention for Cryptosporidium. Recently, there has been renewed interest in the antimicrobial properties of berries and their phenolic compounds but little work has been done on their antiparasitic actions. The effect of various preparations of blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) extract on G. duodenalis trophozoites and C. parvum oocysts were investigated. Pressed blueberry extract, a polyphenolic-rich blueberry extract, and a commercially produced blueberry drink (Bouvrage) all demonstrated antigiardial activity. The polyphenol-rich blueberry extract reduced trophozoite viability in a dose dependent manner. At 167 μg ml⁻¹, this extract performed as well as all dilutions of pressed blueberry extract and the Bouvrage beverage (9.6 ± 2.8% live trophozoites remaining after 24 h incubation). The lowest dilution of blueberry extract tested (12.5% v/v) contained >167 μg ml⁻¹ of polyphenolic compounds suggesting that polyphenols are responsible for the reduced survival of G. duodenalis trophozoites. The pressed blueberry extract, Bouvrage beverage and the polyphenolic-rich blueberry extract increased the spontaneous excystation of C. parvum oocysts at 37 °C, compared to controls, but only at a dilution of 50% Bouvrage beverage, equivalent to 213 μg ml⁻¹ gallic acid equivalents in the polyphenolic-rich blueberry extract. Above this level, spontaneous excystation is decreased. We conclude that water soluble extracts of blueberries can kill G. duodenalis trophozoites and modify the morphology of G. duodenalis and C. parvum.     

荧光假单胞菌CLW17菌株pqqE和GDH基因的功能

[背景]磷是植物生长所必需的大量元素,但绝大多数不能被植物吸收利用。然而溶磷微生物能够分泌有机酸来溶解土壤中难溶性磷,提高土壤中磷的利用率,促进植物生长,提高作物的产量和品质。[目的]探究高效解磷荧光假单胞菌CLW17菌株的pqqE和GDH基因的生理学功能。[方法]利用生物在线软件对2个基因编码蛋白进行生物信息学分析。利用同源重组技术分别获得pqqE和GDH基因缺失突变株(CLW17ΔpqqE,CLW17ΔGDH),并使用接合转移的方式获得回补菌株(ΔpqqE/pqqE,ΔGDH/GDH)。分别采用NBRIP培养基、钼锑抗比色法及高压液相色谱法(HPLC)对野生型、突变株及互补株的溶磷及产有机酸能力进行检测。[结果]pqqE和GDH基因编码氨基酸数目分别为390和803,均无信号肽。pqqE无跨膜结构域,而GDH预测有5个跨膜结构域。pqqE和GDH基因是CLW17菌株的溶磷相关基因,2个基因的缺失均使该菌株的溶磷能力显著下降,而回补株可以恢复溶磷能力。CLW17野生株能分泌多种有机酸,其中葡萄糖酸(gluconic acid,GA)含量最多,其次是乙酸;但敲除株产有机酸的能力明显降低...     

An efficient method for gene disruption in Neurospora crassa

The frequency with which transforming DNA undergoes homologous recombination at a chromosomal site can be quite low in some fungal systems. In such cases, strategies for gene disruption or gene replacement must either select against ectopic integration events or provide easy screening to identify homologous site, double-crossover insertion events. A protocol is presented for efficient isolation of Neurospora crassa strains carrying a definitive null allele in a target gene. The protocol relies on the presence of a selectable marker flanking a disrupted plasmid-borne copy of the gene, and in the case presented led to a seven-fold enrichment for putative homologous site replacement events. In addition, a polymerase chain reaction assay is utilized for rapid identification of homologous recombinants among the remaining candidates. This protocol was used to identify 3 isolates, out of 129 primary transformants, which have a disruption in the Neurospora ccg-1 gene. The method should be applicable to a variety of fungal systems in which two selectable markers can be expressed, including those in which homologous recombination rates are too low to allow easy identification of homologous site insertions by the more traditional molecular method of Southern analysis. In addition to disrupting target genes for the purpose of generating null mutations, this method is useful for the targeting of reporter gene fusions to a native chromosomal site for the purpose of studying gene regulation.     

An allelic exchange system for compliant genetic manipulation of the select agents Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei

Burkholderia pseudomallei and B. mallei are Gram-negative bacterial pathogens that cause melioidosis in humans and glanders in horses, respectively. Both bacteria are classified as category B select agents in the United States. Due to strict select-agent regulations, the number of antibiotic selection markers approved for use in these bacteria is greatly limited. Approved markers for B. pseudomallei include genes encoding resistance to kanamycin (Km), gentamicin (Gm), and zeocin (Zeo); however, wild type B. pseudomallei is intrinsically resistant to these antibiotics. Selection markers for B. mallei are limited to Km and Zeo resistance genes. Additionally, there are few well developed counter-selection markers for use in Burkholderia. The use of SacB as a counter-selection method has been of limited success due to the presence of endogenous sacBC genes in the genomes of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei. These impediments have greatly hampered the genetic manipulation of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei and currently few reliable tools for the genetic manipulation of Burkholderia exist. To expand the repertoire of genetic tools for use in Burkholderia, we developed the suicide plasmid pMo130, which allows for the compliant genetic manipulation of the select agents B. pseudomallei and B. mallei using allelic exchange. pMo130 harbors an aphA gene which allows for Km selection, the reporter gene xylE, which allows for reliable visual detection of Burkholderia transformants, and carries a modified sacB gene that allows for the resolution of co-integrants. We employed this system to generate multiple unmarked and in-frame mutants in B. pseudomallei, and one mutant in B. mallei. This vector significantly expands the number of available tools that are select-agent compliant for the genetic manipulation of B. pseudomallei and B. mallei.