The role of epiphytic Pseudomonas and Pantoea population diversity on prevalence of fire blight disease

Several microbial populations on plants interact with each other and their host through the actions of secreted metabolites. However, the role of diverse microorganisms and their metabolites on plant health has yet to be fully appreciated. Here, we investigated the population diversity of two dominant epiphytic bacterial genuses in different area and their role in biological control of fire blight disease. To do so, we isolated and calculated population diversity of different Pantoea spp. and Pseudomonas spp. using serial dilution methods. The growth inhibition of Erwinia amylovora in vitro by some of these bacteria indicated the ecological significance of secondary metabolites produced by these bacteria and discuss how they might contribute to biological control of fire blight disease. Although, we did not work on the ability of these bacteria on induction of disease resistance but it could be considered for future, because they represent very different but important types of secondary metabolites. We also described how the weather conditions in different geographical regions can effect on the population of these epiphytic bacterial phenotypes leading to plant health promotion. In conclusion, we demonstrated the role of Pantoea and Pseudomonas population diversity on prevalence of fire blight in different area of north-east of Iran.