The bryophyte genus Sphagnum is a reservoir for powerful and extraordinary antagonists and potentially facultative human pathogens

Sphagnum plants grow in natural, species-poor carpets at low pH but without any known substantial fungal disease. To investigate this phenomenon, we analysed bacterial populations associated with two Sphagnum species with different ecological behaviour, namely S. magellanicum and S. fallax, from three sites in Germany and three in Norway, with a special focus on the functional group of antagonists. The screening of 493 bacterial isolates for antagonistic activity against fungal pathogens resulted in 237 (48%) active isolates. We found a higher proportion of antagonists for S. magellanicum (24%) than we did for S. fallax (19%) in general. The majority of the antagonists belonged to the genera Serratia (15%), Burkholderia (13.5%), Staphylococcus (13.5%), and Pseudomonas (10%). In contrast to the high moss specificity found for antagonistic bacteria, Burkholderia as well as Serratia isolates with highly similar molecular fingerprints as ascertained by BOX-PCR for both Sphagnum species were found. Interestingly, a high proportion of antagonists, for example Staphylococcus, Hafnia, Yersinia, and Pantoea, were identified as strains that are known as facultative pathogens of humans. Sphagnum plants represent an ecological niche not only for diverse and extraordinary microbial populations with a high potential for biological control of plant pathogens but also for opportunistic human pathogens.     

Disease suppression and crop improvement in moong beans (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vigna radiata</Emphasis>) through <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pseudomonas</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Burkholderia</Emphasis> strains isolated from semi arid region of Rajasthan,India

Pseudomonas fluorescens BAM-4, Burkholderia cepacia BAM-6 and B. cepacia BAM-12 isolated from the rhizosphere of moong bean (Vigna radiata L.) showed significant growth-inhibitory activity against a range of phytopathogenic fungi. Light and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies showed morphological abnormalities such as fragmentation, swelling, perforation and lysis of hyphae of pathogens by Pseudomonas and Burkholderia. Two of the strains (BAM-4 and BAM-6) produced siderophore in CAS agar plates, whereas all three strains produced chitinase. Bacterization of seeds of moong bean with pseudomonads has been reported as a potential method for enhancing plant growth and yield, and for providing protection against Macrophomina phaseolina. Seed bacterization with these plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) showed a significant increase in seed germination, shoot length, shoot fresh and dry weight, root length, root fresh and dry weight, leaf area and rhizosphere colonization. Yield parameters such as pods, number of seeds, and grain yield per plant also enhanced significantly in comparison to control. The disease suppression and plant growth enhancement along with the positive rhizosphere colonization by these strains indicate their possible use as PGPR/biocontrol agents against charcoal rot.     

生防细菌产生的拮抗物质及其在生物防治中的作用

利用生防细菌防治植物病害是生物防治的一个主要内容．生防细菌防治植物病害发生发展的一个重要机制是产生拮抗物质．生防细菌的拮抗物质种类多,作用范围广谱．同一种拮抗物质可以由多种细菌菌株产生,而同一细菌也可以产生多种不同结构的拮抗物质．运用现代分子生物学技术和先进的分析测试手段可以加快对产生拮抗物质生防细菌的研究,了解生防细菌在寄主植物根围和叶围的定植效果。明确拮抗物质在生物防治中的作用．拮抗物质的产生除与细菌基因型有关外,一些外在的生物和非生物因素如病原菌存在与否、温度、pH和C、N营养等也影响拮抗物质产生．文中论述了生防细菌应用中存在的问题。指出混合菌剂的研制对防止病原菌抗性产生具有重要作用,应是今后生防菌剂研制中的重点．     

Role of phages in the pathogenesis of Burkholderia,or ‘Where are the toxin genes in Burkholderia phages?’

Most bacteria of the genus Burkholderia are soil- and rhizosphere-associated, and rhizosphere associated, noted for their metabolic plasticity in the utilization of a wide range of organic compounds as carbon sources. Many Burkholderia species are also opportunistic human and plant pathogens, and the distinction between environmental, plant, and human pathogens is not always clear. Burkholderia phages are not uncommon and multiple cryptic prophages are identifiable in the sequenced Burkholderia genomes. Phages have played a crucial role in the transmission of virulence factors among many important pathogens; however, the data do not yet support a significant correlation between phages and pathogenicity in the Burkholderia. This may be due to the role of Burkholderia as a 'versaphile' such that selection is occurring in several niches, including as a pathogen and in the context of environmental survival.     

Diversity of bacterial endophytes in roots of Mexican husk tomato plants (Physalis ixocarpa) and their detection in the rhizosphere

Endophytic bacterial diversity was estimated in Mexican husk tomato plant roots by amplified rDNA restriction analysis and sequence homology comparison of the 16S rDNA genes. Sixteen operational taxonomic units from the 16S rDNA root library were identified based on sequence analysis, including the classes Gammaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacilli. The predominant genera were Stenotrophomonas (21.9%), Microbacterium (17.1%), Burkholderia (14.3%), Bacillus (14.3%), and Pseudomonas (10.5%). In a 16S rDNA gene library of the same plant species' rhizosphere, only common soil bacteria, including Stenotrophomonas, Burkholderia, Bacillus, and Pseudomonas, were detected. We suggest that the endophytic bacterial diversity within the roots of Mexican husk tomato plants is a subset of the rhizosphere bacterial population, dominated by a few genera.     

Rhizosphere engineering and management for sustainable agriculture

This paper reviews strategies for manipulating plants and their root-associated microorganisms to improve plant health and productivity. Some strategies directly target plant processes that impact on growth, while others are based on our knowledge of interactions among the components of the rhizosphere (roots, microorganisms and soil). For instance, plants can be engineered to modify the rhizosphere pH or to release compounds that improve nutrient availability, protect against biotic and abiotic stresses, or encourage the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms. Rhizobacteria that promote plant growth have been engineered to interfere with the synthesis of stress-induced hormones such as ethylene, which retards root growth, and to produce antibiotics and lytic enzymes active against soilborne root pathogens. Rhizosphere engineering also can involve the selection by plants of beneficial microbial populations. For example, some crop species or cultivars select for and support populations of antibiotic-producing strains that play a major role in soils naturally suppressive to soil-borne fungal pathogens. The fitness of root-associated bacterial communities also can be enhanced by soil amendment, a process that has allowed the selection of bacterial consortia that can interfere with bacterial pathogens. Plants also can be engineered specifically to influence their associated bacteria, as exemplified by quorum quenching strategies that suppress the virulence of pathogens of the genus Pectobacterium. New molecular tools and powerful biotechnological advances will continue to provide a more complete knowledge of the complex chemical and biological interactions that occur in the rhizosphere, ensuring that strategies to engineer the rhizosphere are safe, beneficial to productivity, and substantially improve the sustainability of agricultural systems.     

Characterization of CMR5c and CMR12a, novel fluorescent Pseudomonas strains from the cocoyam rhizosphere with biocontrol activity

AIM: To screen for novel antagonistic Pseudomonas strains producing both phenazines and biosurfactants that are as effective as Pseudomonas aeruginosa PNA1 in the biocontrol of cocoyam root rot caused by Pythium myriotylum. MATERIAL AND RESULTS: Forty pseudomonads were isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy white and red cocoyam plants appearing in natural, heavily infested fields in Cameroon. In vitro tests demonstrated that Py. myriotylum antagonists could be retrieved from the red cocoyam rhizosphere. Except for one isolate, all antagonistic isolates produced phenazines. Results from whole-cell protein profiling showed that the antagonistic isolates are different from other isolated pseudomonads, while BOX-PCR revealed high genomic similarity among them. 16S rDNA sequencing of two representative strains within this group of antagonists confirmed their relatively low similarity with validly described Pseudomonas species. These antagonists are thus provisionally labelled as unidentified Pseudomonas strains. Among the antagonists, Pseudomonas CMR5c and CMR12a were selected because of their combined production of phenazines and biosurfactants. For strain CMR5c also, production of pyrrolnitrin and pyoluteorin was demonstrated. Both CMR5c and CMR12a showed excellent in vivo biocontrol activity against Py. myriotylum to a similar level as Ps. aeruginosa PNA1. CONCLUSION: Pseudomonas CMR5c and CMR12a were identified as novel and promising biocontrol agents of Py. myriotylum on cocoyam, producing an arsenal of antagonistic metabolites. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Present study reports the identification of two newly isolated fluorescent Pseudomonas strains that can replace the opportunistic human pathogen Ps. aeruginosa PNA1 in the biocontrol of cocoyam root rot and could be taken into account for the suppression of many plant pathogens.     

多噬伯克霍尔德氏菌WS-FJ9对林木病原菌物的拮抗作用及代谢产物的稳定性

【背景】伯克霍尔德氏菌(Burkholderia)是一类重要的植物根际促生细菌,许多菌株具有抑制植物病原菌生长和促进植物生长等功能。【目的】探究高效解磷促生细菌多噬伯克霍尔德氏菌(B. multivorans) WS-FJ9对不同林木病原菌物的抑菌作用。【方法】采用平板对峙法检测菌株WS-FJ9对5株林木病原真菌和卵菌的抑制效果;基于比色法检测经菌株WS-FJ9处理后病原菌菌丝细胞内含物的变化;使用antiSMASH 5.0在线预测网站对其次生代谢物质进行预测;通过菌丝生长抑制速率法对其无菌发酵滤液的抑菌活性和稳定性进行研究。【结果】菌株WS-FJ9对5种林木病原菌均具有不同程度的抑制作用,其中菌悬液对樟疫霉(Phytophthora cinnamomi)的抑制作用最好,抑菌带宽度为14.82±0.20mm,无菌发酵滤液对真菌拟茎点霉(Phomopsismacrospore)和松杉球壳孢(Sphaeropsis sapinea)的抑制效果显著,抑菌率分别为62.22%和62.78%;经无菌发酵滤液处理后的病原菌菌丝内的丙二醛含量增高,还原糖和可溶性蛋白含量显著降低。WS-FJ9菌株的基因组中含27个不同的次级代谢产物编码基因簇,其中包含编码嗜铁素、细菌素和抗生素等抑菌基因簇;该菌株发酵液在高温、紫外照射和强酸强碱环境条件下及经蛋白酶处理后,其抑菌活性均未受到影响。【结论】多噬伯克霍尔德氏菌WS-FJ9对林木病原菌物具有很好的生防潜力。     

The various lifestyles of the Burkholderia cepacia complex species: a tribute to adaptation

The Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is composed of 17 closely related species. These bacteria are widely but heterogeneously distributed in the natural environment, such as soil, water and rhizosphere. Bcc strains are able to colonize various ecological niches by adopting versatile lifestyles, including saprophytism and (positive or deleterious) association with eukaryotic cells. Bcc strains have proven to be very efficient in biocontrol, plant growth promotion and bioremediation. However, they also are important opportunistic pathogens that can cause severe respiratory infections among individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis or chronic granulomatous disease. Therefore, considering that the distinction between plant beneficial and clinical strains is not obvious, biotechnological applications of Bcc strains are currently not allowed. This minireview provides an overview of the wide range of lifestyles that Bcc bacteria can adopt, leading to glimpses into their tremendous adaptation potential and highlighting remaining questions concerning potential implicated mechanisms.     

Antagonism among Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus strains in culture media and in endophytic association

In this study the antagonistic activity among 55 Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus strains, belonging to 13 electrophoretic types (ETs), in culture media was analyzed. Antagonistic effects were seen only in strains belonging to two ETs named ET-1 and ET-3. Two out of 29 ET-1 strains, and 3 out of 7 ET-3 strains of G. diazotrophicus showed antagonistic effects against many other strains belonging to all the ETs of this species analyzed, and against closely related strains of Gluconacetobacter species, including Gluconacetobacter johannae, Gluconacetobacter azotocaptans and Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens but not against other phylogenetically distant bacterial species. Results showed that the substance responsible of such antagonistic activity is a low molecular mass molecule (approximately 3400 Da), stable from pH 3.5 to 8.5, and very stable at 4 degrees C for 10 months. This substance was sensitive to proteases, and the antagonistic activity was lost after 2 h at 95 degrees C. All of these features show that the substance is related to bacteriocin-like molecules. The antagonistic substance should be chromosomally encoded because ET-3 strains of G. diazotrophicus do not harbor any plasmids. The antagonistic ability of ET-3 strains of G. diazotrophicus could be an advantage for the natural colonization of the sugarcane environment, as was observed in experiments with micropropagated sterile sugarcane plantlets co-inoculated with a bacteriocin-producer strain and a bacteriocin-sensitive strain of G. diazotrophicus. In these experiments, both in the rhizosphere as well as inside the roots, the bacteriocin-sensitive population decreased drastically. In addition, this study shows that inside the plants there may exist antagonistic interactions among endophytic bacteria like to those described among the rhizospheric community.     

A Treatment Plant Receiving Waste Water from Multiple Bulk Drug Manufacturers Is a Reservoir for Highly Multi-Drug Resistant Integron-Bearing Bacteria

The arenas and detailed mechanisms for transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between environmental bacteria and pathogens are largely unclear. Selection pressures from antibiotics in situations where environmental bacteria and human pathogens meet are expected to increase the risks for such gene transfer events. We hypothesize that waste-water treatment plants (WWTPs) serving antibiotic manufacturing industries may provide such spawning grounds, given the high bacterial densities present there together with exceptionally strong and persistent selection pressures from the antibiotic-contaminated waste. Previous analyses of effluent from an Indian industrial WWTP that processes waste from bulk drug production revealed the presence of a range of drugs, including broad spectrum antibiotics at extremely high concentrations (mg/L range). In this study, we have characterized the antibiotic resistance profiles of 93 bacterial strains sampled at different stages of the treatment process from the WWTP against 39 antibiotics belonging to 12 different classes. A large majority (86%) of the strains were resistant to 20 or more antibiotics. Although there were no classically-recognized human pathogens among the 93 isolated strains, opportunistic pathogens such as Ochrobactrum intermedium, Providencia rettgeri, vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE), Aerococcus sp. and Citrobacter freundii were found to be highly resistant. One of the O. intermedium strains (ER1) was resistant to 36 antibiotics, while P. rettgeri (OSR3) was resistant to 35 antibiotics. Class 1 and 2 integrons were detected in 74/93 (80%) strains each, and 88/93 (95%) strains harbored at least one type of integron. The qPCR analysis of community DNA also showed an unprecedented high prevalence of integrons, suggesting that the bacteria living under such high selective pressure have an appreciable potential for genetic exchange of resistance genes via mobile gene cassettes. The present study provides insight into the mechanisms behind and the extent of multi-drug resistance among bacteria living under an extreme antibiotic selection pressure.     

Inhibitory effects of various micro-organisms on the growth of Helicobacter pylori

AIMS: To examine the in vitro influence of various bacteria species on Helicobacter pylori (Hp) growth. METHODS AND RESULTS: The effects of 29 micro-organisms on 31 Hp strains were determined using two modified 'cross streak' methods. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Morganella morganii, Serratia marcescens, Bacteroides fragilis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Clostridium difficile showed the strongest inhibition. The inhibitory effects varied, depending on the bacteria spp. and Hp strains, and were method dependent. The cagA status of Hp strains did not correlate with the extent of inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Helicobacter pylori is inhibited by a significant number of commensal bacteria species as well as opportunistic human pathogens. The success and progress of Hp infection may be influenced by the bacterial flora present, while the difficulty in cultivating Hp from the oral mucosa and faeces may be the result of antagonistic bacterial interaction. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study provides valuable data on the sensitivity of Hp to a variety of intestinal and oral commensals as well as opportunistic human pathogens. Hp's varying pathogenicity and the specific localization of infection may be the result of these sensitivities. These results can also serve as a basis for further studies to identify the inhibitory substances and make them available for therapeutic use.     

Burkholderia cepacia complex species: health hazards and biotechnological potential

The Burkholderia cepacia complex is a group of nine closely related bacterial species that have useful properties in the natural environment as plant pest antagonists, plant growth promoters and degradative agents of toxic substances. Because these species are human opportunistic pathogens, especially in cystic fibrosis patients, biotechnological applications that involve environmental releases have been severely restricted. Recent progress in understanding the taxonomy, epidemiology and ecology of the B. cepacia complex species has unravelled considerable variability in their pathogenicity and ecological properties, which has set the basis for a reassessment of the risk posed by individual species to human health.     

Plant Species, Host Age and Host Genotype Effects on Meloidogyne incognita Biocontrol by Pseudomonas fluorescens Strain CHA0 and its Genetically-Modified Derivatives

Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CHA0 and its antibiotic overproducing derivative CHA0/pME3424 repeatedly reduced Meloidogyne incognita galling on tomato, brinjal, mungbean and soya bean roots but not in chilli. An antibiotic‐deficient derivative, CHA89, did not reduce nematode invasion in any of the plant species tested. When plant species were compared, bacterial inoculants afforded better protection to tomato, mungbean and soya bean roots against root‐knot nematodes than to brinjal and chilli. Antibiotic overproducing strain CHA0/pME3424 markedly reduced fresh shoot weights of chilli and mungbean while antibiotic‐deficient strain CHA89 enhanced fresh shoot weights of mungbean. While strains CHA0 had no significant impact on fresh root weights of any of the plant species, strain CHA0/pME3424 consistently reduced fresh root weights of brinjal and mungbean. In none of the plant species the bacterial strains had an influence on protein contents of the leaves. Regardless of the plant species, the three bacterial strains did not differ markedly in their rhizosphere colonization pattern. However, colonization was highest in brinjal rhizosphere and lowest in the mungbean rhizosphere. A slight host genotype effect on the biocontrol performance of the bacterial inoculants was also detected at cultivar level. When five soya bean cultivars were compared, biocontrol bacteria exhibited best suppression of the root‐knot nematode in cv. Ajmeri. Antibiotic overproducing strain CHA0/pME3424 substantially reduced fresh shoot weights of the soya bean cultivars Centuray 84 and NARC‐I while strain CHA89 enhanced shoot weights of the cultivars Ajmeri, William‐82 and NARC‐II. Wild type strain CHA0 had no significant impact on fresh shoot weights of any of the soya bean cultivars. Strain CHA0/pME3424 reduced fresh weights of root of Century 84, NARC‐I and NARC‐II while strain CHA89 increased root weights. Bacterial rhizosphere colonization was highest in variety NARC‐I and lowest in variety Ajmeri. Plant age had a significant impact on the biocontrol performance of bacterial inoculants against nematodes. The biocontrol effect of all bacterial strains was more prominent during early growth stage (7 days after nematode inoculation). A strong negative correlation between bacterial rhizosphere colonization and nematode invasion in soya bean roots was observed.     

In vitro interactions of tobramycin with various nonantibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cenocepacia

Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia are the major pathogens that colonize the airway surface and cause progressive respiratory failure and high mortality, especially in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Tobramycin is the treatment of choice, but persistent usage enables the infectious organisms to activate defence mechanisms, making eradication rarely successful. Combinations of antibiotic and nonantibiotic compounds have been tested in vitro against P. aeruginosa and B. cepacia , but with mixed results. Sodium ions interfere with the bacterial tobramycin uptake system, but amiloride partially reverses this antagonism. In this pilot study, we extend previous findings of the effectiveness of tobramycin in combination with amiloride and other nonantibiotics against a P. aeruginosa type strain, and against four P. aeruginosa strains and one Burkholderia cenocepacia strain isolated from CF patients. Significantly, the four clinical P. aeruginosa strains were tobramycin resistant. We also find that Na⁺ and K⁺, but not Cl⁻, are the chief antagonists of tobramycin efficacy. These results suggest that chemotherapy for CF patients might not only be compromised by antibiotic-resistant pathogens alone, but by a lack of penetration of antibiotics caused either by bacterial biofilms or the high sodium flux in the CF lung, or by antagonistic effects of some drug combinations, any of which could allow the persistence of drug-susceptible bacteria.     

Draft genome sequence of the antagonistic rhizosphere bacterium Serratia plymuthica strain PRI-2C

Serratia plymuthica strain PRI-2C is a rhizosphere bacterial strain with antagonistic activity against different plant pathogens. Here we present the 5.39-Mb (G+C content, 55.67%) draft genome sequence of S. plymuthica strain PRI-2C with the aim of providing insight into the genomic basis of its antagonistic activity.     

生防细菌T132的鉴定及其对采后柑橘炭疽病的抑制效果

【目的】柑橘(Citri)是世界上重要的果树。由胶孢炭疽菌[Colletotrichum gloeosporioides(Penz.)]引起的柑橘炭疽病是柑橘生产的主要病害之一。为探索对采后柑橘炭疽病有效的生防措施,分离鉴定柑橘根围土壤中一株细菌T132,并研究其特性及生防效果。【方法】根据菌株T132的形态特征、生理生化特性以及16S rDNA序列对其进行鉴定;通过连续8次在人工培养基上传代培养,测定该菌株的遗传稳定性;采用柑橘果实刺伤挑战接种和拮抗菌液直接浸泡健康果实两种方法研究该菌株对柑橘炭疽病的抑菌防病效果;利用洋葱伯克霍尔德氏菌致病因子的特异性引物检测菌株T132是否为潜在的人类致病菌。【结果】菌株T132鉴定为越南伯克霍尔德氏菌(Burkholderia vietnamiensis)。连续8次在人工培养基上传代培养,菌株T132抑制胶孢炭疽病菌生长的能力没有发生明显改变。菌株T132对胶孢炭疽菌C.gloeosporioides引起的柑橘炭疽病有明显的防治作用,刺伤接种的防效为88.2%,自然发病的防效为54.9%。未检测到该拮抗菌株有人体致病相关的洋葱伯克霍尔德氏菌致病因子(BCESM)毒力基因。【结论】首次报道对柑橘采后炭疽病具有生防效果、对人类相对安全的越南伯克霍尔德氏菌生防菌株。     

ICU气管切开患者下呼吸道定植菌分析及防治对策

目的了解重症监护病房气管切开患者下呼吸道定植菌(lower airway bacterial colonization,LABC)的病原菌分布和耐药谱,为临床诊断LABC提供参考依据,防止定植菌转变为致病菌提供临床防治方法。方法入选2008年10月至2011年6月入住ICU气管切开患者下呼吸道进行支气管肺泡灌洗,并对灌洗液进行细菌定量培养及抗菌药物敏感性测定。结果 180例气管切开患者LABC检出率高达85.2%,培养出定植菌232株,以革兰阴性菌(G-)为主,占78.8%,其中铜绿假单胞菌62株,居首位占26.7%;肺炎克雷伯杆菌36株,居第2占15.5%;其次为鲍曼不动杆菌(占12.1%)、大肠埃希菌(占8.2%)、洋葱伯克霍尔德菌(占4.3%)和嗜麦牙寡养单胞菌(占3.4%)。革兰阳性菌(G+)占14.7%,主要为金黄色葡萄球菌;真菌占6.5%,主要为白色假丝酵母菌属。耐药监测结果显示,革兰阴性菌均出现较强的耐药性。结论加强对气管切开患者LABC的监测与控制,加强肺部综合护理才能防止定植菌转变为致病菌,减少再次感染的发生。     

Colonization behavior of bacterium Burkholderia cepacia inside the Oryza sativa roots visualized using green fluorescent protein reporter

Colonization behavior of endophytic bacteria Burkholderia cepacia strains RRE-3 and RRE-5 was studied in the seedlings of rice variety NDR97 using confocal laser scanning microscopy under controlled laboratory and greenhouse conditions. For studying colonization pattern, bacterial strains were tagged with pHRGFPGUS plasmid. The role of bacterial strains (both gfp/gus-tagged and untagged) in growth promotion was also studied. After coming into contact with the host root system the bacteria showed an irregular spreading. Dense colonization was observed on the primary and secondary roots and also on the junction of emergence of the lateral roots. Results showed that the colonization pattern of Burkholderia cepacia strains was similar to that of other endophytic bacteria isolated from non-legumes. Burkholderia cepacia got entry inside the root at the sites of emergence of lateral roots, without formation of infection threads as in the case of symbiotic rhizobacteria. Observations suggested that the endophytic bacterial strains RRE-3 and RRE-5 entered inside the rice roots in a progressive manner. Bacteria were found to line up along the intercellular spaces of adjoining epidermal cells adjacent to the lateral root junction, indicating endophytic colonization pattern of Burkholderia cepacia strains. Experiments with the rice seedlings inoculated with RRE-3 and RRE-5 strains revealed that both strains enhanced plant growth considerably when observed under laboratory and greenhouse conditions and produced significantly higher plant biomass. No considerable difference was observed between the gfp/gus-tagged and non-gfp/gus-tagged strains in the plant growth experiments both in the laboratory and greenhouse conditions.     

The rhizosphere effect on bacteria antagonistic towards the pathogenic fungus Verticillium differs depending on plant species and site

Rhizobacteria with antagonistic activity towards plant pathogens play an essential role in root growth and plant health and are influenced by plant species in their abundance and composition. To determine the extent of the effect of the plant species and of the site on the abundance and composition of bacteria with antagonistic activity towards Verticillium dahliae, bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of two Verticillium host plants, oilseed rape and strawberry, and from bulk soil were analysed at three different locations in Germany over two growing seasons. A total of 6732 bacterial isolates screened for in vitro antagonism towards Verticillium resulted in 560 active isolates, among which Pseudomonas (77%) and Serratia (6%) were the most dominant genera. The rhizosphere effect on the antagonistic bacterial community was shown by an enhanced proportion of antagonistic isolates, by enrichment of specific amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis types, species and genotypes, and by a reduced diversity in the rhizosphere in comparison to bulk soil. Such an effect was influenced by the plant species and by the site of its cultivation. Altogether, 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 66 isolates resulted in the identification of 22 different species. Antagonists of the genus Serratia were preferentially isolated from oilseed rape rhizosphere, with the exception of one site. For isolates of Pseudomonas and Serratia, plant-specific and site-specific genotypes were found.