Rhizosphere bacteria associated with Chenopodium quinoa promote resistance to Alternaria alternata in tomato.

Microorganisms can interact with plants to promote plant growth and act as biocontrol agents. Associations with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) enhance agricultural productivity by improving plant nutrition and enhancing protection from pathogens. Microbial applications can be an ideal substitute for pesticides or fungicides, which can pollute the environment and reduce biological diversity. In this study, we isolated 68 bacterial strains from the root-adhering soil of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) seedlings. Bacterial strains exhibited several PGPR activities in vitro, including nutrient solubilization, production of lytic enzymes (cellulase, pectinase and amylase) and siderophore synthesis. These bacteria were further found to suppress the mycelial growth of the fungal pathogen Alternaria alternata. Nine bacterial strains were selected with substantial antagonistic activity and plant growth-promotion potential. These strains were identified based on their 16S rRNA gene sequences and selected for in planta experiments with tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) to estimate their growth-promotion and disease-suppression activity. Among the selected strains, B. licheniformis and B. pumilus most effectively promoted tomato plant growth, decreased disease severity caused by A. alternata infection by enhancing the activities of antioxidant defense enzymes and contributed to induced systemic resistance. This investigation provides evidence for the effectiveness and viability of PGPR application, particularly of B. licheniformis and B. pumilus in tomato, to promote plant growth and induce systemic resistance, making these bacteria promising candidates for biofertilizers and biocontrol agents.

Molecular Detection of New SHV ß-lactamase Variants in Clinical Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates from Egypt.

The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens was reported worldwide. Herein, SHV extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (SHV-ESBL) variants detection was investigated in MDR E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates recovered from human subjects (n = 144), one day-old chicks (n = 36) and broiler clinical samples (n = 90). All examined samples were positive for E. coli (n = 246/270; 91.11%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 24/270; 8.89%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on E. coli and K. pneumoniae. SHV-ESBL producing isolates were defined followed by SHV-ESBL amino acids sequence and proteins structure-function analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of 11 MDR isolates resistant to at least 6 ß-lactams was designed to determine their genetic relationship with those previously identified in Egypt. SHV-ESBL variants were detected in 28% and 16% of E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates, respectively. Among the 11 SHV-ESBL producing isolates, one isolate displayed 100% blaSHV-12 similarity with three point mutations, while the other 10 isolates displayed amino acid substitutions at previously non-reported sites. Amino acid sequence analyses of these 10 isolates displayed 96-100% identity to blaSHV-10 (2 isolates with 3-6 point mutations), blaSHV-18 (one isolate with 4 point mutations), blaSHV-58 (4 isolates with 4-5 point mutations), and blaSHV-91 (3 isolates with 3-7 point mutations). These mutations altered SHV-enzyme pocket dimensions and its binding sites chargeability. The blaSHV phylogeny analysis revealed occurrence of variants in closely related lineages with blaSHV-5 and blaSHV-12 with possibility of blaSHV gene transfer between human and birds. The occurrence of these variants in Egypt could help in epidemiological studies and could explain the emergent resistance to ß-lactams.

Biological control of red rot in sugarcane by native pyoluteorin-producing Pseudomonas putida strain NH-50 under field conditions and its potential modes of action.

BACKGROUND: Rhizobacteria have a good potential to suppress soilborne diseases, but their efficacy against sugarcane pests is rarely reported. Bacterial strains isolated from the rhizosphere of sugarcane were evaluated for their potential to suppress red rot disease on two susceptible varieties, Co-1148 and SPF-234, under field conditions. The strains were also characterised for the production of secondary metabolites associated with their antagonistic activity. RESULTS: One out of four strains, the Pseudomonas putida strain NH-50 (EU627168), reduced disease severity by 44-60% in different field trials. This potent antagonistic strain produced pyoluteorin antibiotic, as confirmed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The PltB gene involved in pyoluteorin synthesis was amplified from the P. putida strain NH-50 and sequenced. The extracellular metabolites and volatile and diffusible antibiotics secreted by the tested strains inhibited mycelial growth of Glomerella tucumensis (Speg.) Arx & E Mull in vitro by 7-55%. CONCLUSION: The pyoluteorin-producing bacteria P. putida strain NH-50 significantly reduced disease severity on both sugarcane varieties, irrespective of fungal inoculation, i.e. either inoculated through stem or through soil. This strain also possesses other plant growth characteristics and can be used as a biopesticide for sugarcane crop.