The effect of different growth regimes on the endophytic bacterial communities of the fern, Dicksonia sellowiana hook (Dicksoniaceae)

Endophytic bacteria associated with the fern Dicksonia sellowiana were investigated. The bacterial communities from the surface-sterilized pinnae and rachis segments of the plants from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest that grew in native field conditions were compared with the bacterial communities from plants grown in greenhouses and plants that were initially grown in greenhouses and then transferred to the forest. From 540 pinnae and 540 rachis segments, 163 (30.2%) and 346 (64.2%) were colonized by bacteria, respectively. The main bacterial genera and species that were isolated included Bacillus spp. (B. cereus, B. megaterium, B. pumilus and B. subtilis), Paenibacillus sp., Amphibacillus sp., Gracilibacillus sp., Micrococcus sp. and Stenotrophomonas spp. (S. maltophilia and S. nitroreducens). B. pumilus was the most frequently isolated bacterial species. Amphibacillus and Gracilibacillus were reported as endophytes for the first time. Other commonly found bacterial genera were not observed in D. sellowiana, which may reflect preferences of specific bacterial communities inside this fern or detection limitations due to the isolation procedures. Plants that were grown in greenhouses and plants that were reintroduced into the forest displayed more bacterial genera and species diversity than native field plants, suggesting that reintroduction shifts the bacterial diversity. Endophytic bacteria that displayed antagonistic properties against different microorganisms were detected, but no obvious correlation was found between their frequencies with plant tissues or with plants from different growth regimes. This paper reports the first isolation of endophytic bacteria from a fern.

The effect of different growth regimes on the endophytic bacterial communities of the fern, Dicksonia sellowiana hook (Dicksoniaceae).

Endophytic bacteria associated with the fern Dicksonia sellowiana were investigated. The bacterial communities from the surface-sterilized pinnae and rachis segments of the plants from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest that grew in native field conditions were compared with the bacterial communities from plants grown in greenhouses and plants that were initially grown in greenhouses and then transferred to the forest. From 540 pinnae and 540 rachis segments, 163 (30.2%) and 346 (64.2%) were colonized by bacteria, respectively. The main bacterial genera and species that were isolated included Bacillus spp. ( B. cereus, B. megaterium, B. pumilus and B. subtilis ) , Paenibacillus sp. , Amphibacillus sp. , Gracilibacillus sp. , Micrococcus sp. and Stenotrophomonas spp. ( S. maltophilia and S. nitroreducens ). B. pumilus was the most frequently isolated bacterial species . Amphibacillus and Gracilibacillus were reported as endophytes for the first time. Other commonly found bacterial genera were not observed in D. sellowiana , which may reflect preferences of specific bacterial communities inside this fern or detection limitations due to the isolation procedures. Plants that were grown in greenhouses and plants that were reintroduced into the forest displayed more bacterial genera and species diversity than native field plants, suggesting that reintroduction shifts the bacterial diversity. Endophytic bacteria that displayed antagonistic properties against different microorganisms were detected, but no obvious correlation was found between their frequencies with plant tissues or with plants from different growth regimes. This paper reports the first isolation of endophytic bacteria from a fern.

The effect of different growth regimes on the endophytic bacterial communities of the fern, Dicksonia sellowiana hook (Dicksoniaceae)

Endophytic bacteria associated with the fern Dicksonia sellowiana were investigated. The bacterial communities from the surface-sterilized pinnae and rachis segments of the plants from the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest that grew in native field conditions were compared with the bacterial communities from plants grown in greenhouses and plants that were initially grown in greenhouses and then transferred to the forest. From 540 pinnae and 540 rachis segments, 163 (30.2%) and 346 (64.2%) were colonized by bacteria, respectively. The main bacterial genera and species that were isolated included Bacillus spp. (B. cereus, B. megaterium, B. pumilus and B. subtilis), Paenibacillus sp., Amphibacillus sp., Gracilibacillus sp., Micrococcus sp. and Stenotrophomonas spp. (S. maltophilia and S. nitroreducens). B. pumilus was the most frequently isolated bacterial species. Amphibacillus and Gracilibacillus were reported as endophytes for the first time. Other commonly found bacterial genera were not observed in D. sellowiana, which may reflect preferences of specific bacterial communities inside this fern or detection limitations due to the isolation procedures. Plants that were grown in greenhouses and plants that were reintroduced into the forest displayed more bacterial genera and species diversity than native field plants, suggesting that reintroduction shifts the bacterial diversity. Endophytic bacteria that displayed antagonistic properties against different microorganisms were detected, but no obvious correlation was found between their frequencies with plant tissues or with plants from different growth regimes. This paper reports the first isolation of endophytic bacteria from a fern.

Assessing the diversity of bacterial communities associated with plants

Plant-bacteria interactions result from reciprocal recognition between both species. These interactions are responsible for essential biological processes in plant development and health status. Here, we present a review of the methodologies applied to investigate shifts in bacterial communities associated with plants. A description of techniques is made from initial isolations to culture-independent approaches focusing on quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction in real time (qPCR), Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), clone library construction and analysis, the application of multivariate analyses to microbial ecology data and the upcoming high throughput methodologies such as microarrays and pyrosequencing. This review supplies information about the development of traditional methods and a general overview about the new insights into bacterial communities associated with plants.

As interações planta-bactéria resultam de um reconhecimento recíproco de ambas espécies. Estas interações são responsáveis por processos biológicos essenciais para o desenvolvimento e a proteção das plantas. Este trabalho revisa as metodologias aplicadas na investigação de alterações nas comunidades bacterianas associadas às plantas. Uma descrição das técnicas é feita, desde o isolamento até a aplicação de técnicas independentes de cultivo, destacando as técnicas de qPCR, Gel de Eletroforese em Gradiente Desnaturante (DGGE), construção e análise de bibliotecas de clones, a aplicação de análise multivariada em dados de ecologia microbiana, e as novas metodologias de alto processamento de amostras como microarranjos e pirosequenciamento. Em resumo, esta revisão fornece informações sobre o desenvolvimento das técnicas tradicionais e uma visão geral sobre as novas tendências dos estudos de comunidades bacterianas associadas às plantas.

Bioassay assessment of metarhizium anisopliae (metchnikoff) sorokin (deuteromycota: hyphomycetes) against Oncometopia facialis (signoret) (hemiptera: cicadellidae)

Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) is an economically important, destructive disease in Brazil and is caused by Xylella fastidiosa and transmitted by sharpshooter insects. In this study, the efficacy of the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae in controlling the sharpshooter Oncometopia facialis was studied by bioassay conditions. In the bioassay, insects were sprayed with a suspension containing 5 X 10(7) conidia mL-1. Adults captured in the field were treated in groups of 10 in a total of 11 replications per treatment. Significant differences between the natural mortality and the mortality of insects treated with the fungus were observed 6 days after inoculations (P 0.05). These significant differences increased until 10 days after treatment. The fungus caused 87.1% mortality, with the LT50 varying from 5 to 6 days. The LC50 was 1.2 X 10(6) conidia mL-1, varying from 7.7 X 10(5) to 2 X 10(6) conidia mL-1. The results showed that the sharpshooter O. facialis was susceptible to the entomopathogenic action of M. anisopliae in controlled condition during bioassay.

A Clorose Variegada dos Citros (CVC) é uma doença economicamente importante e destrutiva no Brasil e é causada pela bactéria Xylella fastidiosa e transmitida por insetos vetores tal como Oncometopia facialis. Nesse estudo, a eficácia do fungo Metarhizium anisopliae em controlar o inseto vetor O. facialis foi estudada em condições de bioensaio. Nesse bioensaio, insetos foram pulverizados com uma suspensão de 5 X 10(7) conídio mL-1. Insetos-adultos capturados no campo foram tratados em grupos de 10, em um total de 11 replicatas por tratamento. Diferenças significativas entre a mortalidade natural e a mortalidade dos insetos tratados com o fungo foram observadas em 6 dias após a inoculação (P 0.05). Estas diferenças significativas aumentaram antes do décimo dia após o tratamento. O fungo causou uma mortalidade de 87,1%, com uma LT50 variando entre 5 e 6 dias. A LC50 foi de 1,2 X 10(6) conídio mL-1, variando de 7,7 X 10(5) a 2 X 10(6) conídio mL-1. Estes resultados mostraram que o vetor O. facialis foi susceptível a ação entomopatogênica de M. anisopliae em condições controladas durante o bioensaio.

Colletotrichum sublineolum genetic instability assessed by mutants resistant to chlorate.

The fungus Colletotrichum sublineolum, causal agent of sorghum anthracnose, presents high variability, genetic instability and host specialization. The aims of the present work were to investigate the mechanisms involved in the genetic instability in this species. Mutants resistant to chlorate and unable to use nitrate (Nit mutants), were obtained spontaneously, isolated and characterized for complementation pattern, reversion frequency and RAPD profile. The results showed that chlorate-resistant mutants could be divided into six phenotypic classes that probably represented mutations in the structural nitrate reductase locus (nit1), in the structural nitrite reductase locus (nit6 and niiA of Neurospora and Aspergillus, respectively), in the specific regulator locus (nit3), in the main regulator locus (nit2), in loci that codified the cofactor containing molybdenum necessary for nitrate reductase activity (NitM), and one or more genes responsible for nitrate intake (crn). In addition, the genetic control of this metabolism in C. sublineolum seems to be similar to other fungi species such as Aspergillus, Neurospora and Fusarium. The high reversion frequency (10(-4) to 10(-5)) presented by nit1 mutants suggests that the instability in evaluated strains could be a result of transposable elements activity. The RAPD analysis enabled confirmation that the Nit mutants have a similar genetic background to original strain, and that polymorphism exists among wild-type strains, nit1 mutants and revertants of C. sublineolum. These are important aspects for the later direction of molecular analysis, where these mutants will be used as a tool to isolate the active transposable elements in the C. sublineolum genome.

Plant-microbe interactions between maize (Zea mays L.) and endophytic microrganisms observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v26i3.1600 / Interações planta-micróbio entre o milho (Zea mays L.) e microrganismos endofíticos observados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v26i3.1600

During the last few years endophytes occurrence has been constantly reported in healthy, symptomless leaves, suggesting that this microrganisms can colonize plant organs without causing apparent disease symptoms. The purpose of this study was to observe plant-microbe interactions between maize (Zea mays L.) and endophytic bacteria into the leaf tissue by scanning electron microscopy with application of an osmium fixation technique. It was possible to observe intracellular space of maize leaves infected with endophytic bacteria by this technique. The three-dimensional configuration and arrangement of endophyte colonies inside leaf tissue of host plant were visible

Durante os últimos anos, a ocorrência de endófitos tem sido constantemente reportada em folhas saudáveis, assintomáticas, sugerindo que esses microrganismos podem colonizar órgãos de plantas sem causarem sintomas aparentes de doenças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de observar as interações planta-micróbio entre o milho (Zea mays L.) e bactérias endofíticas no tecido das folhas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura com a aplicação de uma técnica de fixação com ósmio. Com o emprego dessa técnica foi possível observar o espaço intercelular das folhas de milho com bactérias endofíticas. A configuração tri-dimensional e o arranjo das colônias endofíticas nos tecidos das folhas da planta hospedeira foram visíveis

Ambient pH-regulated enzime secretion in endophytic and pathogenic isolates of the fungal genus Colletotrichum

In fungi a genetic system ensures that enzymes are secreted mainly at ambient pH values corresponding to their optima of activity. Although a great deal of information has been obtained concerning this environmental response, there is a lack of studies involving phytopathogenic, endophytic and entomopathogenic fungi as well as different aspects of fungus-host interactions. This study compares in a plate-clearing assays, the effect of ambient pH in the secretion of amylase, cellulase, lipase, pectinase and protease by endophytic, phytopathogenic, and entomopathogenic isolates belonging to several species of Colletotrichum. All enzymes were secreted in a pH-dependent manner by all isolates. Endophytes and pathogens showed distinct patterns of protease secretion, with optima at alkaline and acid growth conditions, respectively. In liquid medium, a Pi-repressible acid phosphatase of an endophytic isolate responded to ambient pH, having a 14-fold increase in secreted specific activity at acid pH, as compared to alkaline pH. Furthermore, part of a Colletotrichum pacC homologue gene, coding for a transcriptional factor responsible for pH-regulated gene expression, was cloned. Ambient pH seems to be a general factor controlling enzyme secretion in fungus-host interactions through a conserved genetic circuit.

Em fungos, um sistema de regulação gênica garante que enzimas sejam secretadas predominantemente em valores de pH do ambiente próximos aos pH ótimos de atividade correspondentes. Embora muita informação tenha sido acumulada sobre essa resposta adaptativa, não existem estudos envolvendo fungos fitopatogênicos, endofíticos e entomopatogênicos, bem como sobre outros aspectos relacionados às interações fungo-hospedeiro. No presente trabalho foi comparado, em meio sólido, o efeito do pH do ambiente na secreção das enzimas amilase, celulase, lipase, pectinase e protease por isolados endofíticos, fitopatogênico e entomopatogênicos pertencentes a diferentes espécies de Colletotrichum. Para todas as enzimas e em todos os isolados, observou-se um padrão de secreção dependente dos valores do pH do ambiente. Isolados endofíticos e patogênicos apresentaram padrões distintos de secreção de protease, com ótimos em pH de crescimento alcalino e ácido, respectivamente. Em meio líquido, uma fosfatase ácida Pi-repressível, secretada por um isolado endofítico, respondeu ao pH do ambiente, apresentando um aumento de 14 vezes na sua atividade específica durante o crescimento do fungo em meio ácido, quando comparado a meio alcalino. Além disso, foi clonada parte do gene pacC de Colletotrichum, o qual codifica um fator de transcrição responsável pela regulação dependente do pH do ambiente. É plausível a hipótese de que o pH ambiente é um fator de amplo espectro controlando a secreção enzimática durante as interações fungo-hospedeiro por meio de um circuito genético conservado.

Plant-microbe interactions between maize (Zea mays L.) and endophytic microrganisms observed by Scanning Electron Microscopy - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v26i3.1600 / Interações planta-micróbio entre o milho (Zea mays L.) e microrganismos endofíticos observados por microscopia eletrônica de varredura - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v26i3.1600

During the last few years endophytes occurrence has been constantly reported in healthy, symptomless leaves, suggesting that this microrganisms can colonize plant organs without causing apparent disease symptoms. The purpose of this study was to observe plant-microbe interactions between maize (Zea mays L.) and endophytic bacteria into the leaf tissue by scanning electron microscopy with application of an osmium fixation technique. It was possible to observe intracellular space of maize leaves infected with endophytic bacteria by this technique. The three-dimensional configuration and arrangement of endophyte colonies inside leaf tissue of host plant were visible

Durante os últimos anos, a ocorrência de endófitos tem sido constantemente reportada em folhas saudáveis, assintomáticas, sugerindo que esses microrganismos podem colonizar órgãos de plantas sem causarem sintomas aparentes de doenças. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de observar as interações planta-micróbio entre o milho (Zea mays L.) e bactérias endofíticas no tecido das folhas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura com a aplicação de uma técnica de fixação com ósmio. Com o emprego dessa técnica foi possível observar o espaço intercelular das folhas de milho com bactérias endofíticas. A configuração tri-dimensional e o arranjo das colônias endofíticas nos tecidos das folhas da planta hospedeira foram visíveis

Ambient pH-regulated enzime secretion in endophytic and pathogenic isolates of the fungal genus Colletotrichum

In fungi a genetic system ensures that enzymes are secreted mainly at ambient pH values corresponding to their optima of activity. Although a great deal of information has been obtained concerning this environmental response, there is a lack of studies involving phytopathogenic, endophytic and entomopathogenic fungi as well as different aspects of fungus-host interactions. This study compares in a plate-clearing assays, the effect of ambient pH in the secretion of amylase, cellulase, lipase, pectinase and protease by endophytic, phytopathogenic, and entomopathogenic isolates belonging to several species of Colletotrichum. All enzymes were secreted in a pH-dependent manner by all isolates. Endophytes and pathogens showed distinct patterns of protease secretion, with optima at alkaline and acid growth conditions, respectively. In liquid medium, a Pi-repressible acid phosphatase of an endophytic isolate responded to ambient pH, having a 14-fold increase in secreted specific activity at acid pH, as compared to alkaline pH. Furthermore, part of a Colletotrichum pacC homologue gene, coding for a transcriptional factor responsible for pH-regulated gene expression, was cloned. Ambient pH seems to be a general factor controlling enzyme secretion in fungus-host interactions through a conserved genetic circuit.

Em fungos, um sistema de regulação gênica garante que enzimas sejam secretadas predominantemente em valores de pH do ambiente próximos aos pH ótimos de atividade correspondentes. Embora muita informação tenha sido acumulada sobre essa resposta adaptativa, não existem estudos envolvendo fungos fitopatogênicos, endofíticos e entomopatogênicos, bem como sobre outros aspectos relacionados às interações fungo-hospedeiro. No presente trabalho foi comparado, em meio sólido, o efeito do pH do ambiente na secreção das enzimas amilase, celulase, lipase, pectinase e protease por isolados endofíticos, fitopatogênico e entomopatogênicos pertencentes a diferentes espécies de Colletotrichum. Para todas as enzimas e em todos os isolados, observou-se um padrão de secreção dependente dos valores do pH do ambiente. Isolados endofíticos e patogênicos apresentaram padrões distintos de secreção de protease, com ótimos em pH de crescimento alcalino e ácido, respectivamente. Em meio líquido, uma fosfatase ácida Pi-repressível, secretada por um isolado endofítico, respondeu ao pH do ambiente, apresentando um aumento de 14 vezes na sua atividade específica durante o crescimento do fungo em meio ácido, quando comparado a meio alcalino. Além disso, foi clonada parte do gene pacC de Colletotrichum, o qual codifica um fator de transcrição responsável pela regulação dependente do pH do ambiente. É plausível a hipótese de que o pH ambiente é um fator de amplo espectro controlando a secreção enzimática durante as interações fungo-hospedeiro por meio de um circuito genético conservado.

Growth and sporulation of Metarhizium flavoviride var. Flavoviride on culture media and lighting regimes

Entomopathogenic fungi from the genus Metarhizium are largely used for the biological control of agricultural pests by conidia spreading on the field. Although conidia production is well studied in M. anisopliae, only few research studies were done in M. flavoviride. The present work was carried out alming to evaluate the Mycelial growth and sporulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride var. flavoviride growing at 27 ± 2°C on Potato-dextrose-agar (PDA), Czapek-agar (CZP) and a complete agar medium (CM) under three lighting regimes, (continuous illumination, light/dark cycle and an black light/dark cycle) were investigated. A completely randomized 3 × 3 (culture media × lighting regime) factorial design with four replicates was used. The best mycelial growth and sporulation occurred on the PDA and CM media under continuous illumination (P = 0,05).

Fungos entomopatogênicos do genêro Metarhizium são empregados no controle biológico de pragas agrícolas por meio da dispersão de seus conídios no campo. Embora a produção de conídios em M. anisopliae esteja bem estudada, poucas pesquisas a respeito existem na espécie M. flavoviride. O presente trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o efeito de três meios de cultura, batata-dextrose-ágar (BDA), Czapek-ágar (CZP) e meio completo (MC), e três regimes de luminosidade, claro contínuo, alternância com luz do dia/escuro e luz negra/escuro, sobre o crescimento miceliano e esporulação do fungo entomopatogênico Metarhizium flavoviride var. flavoviride. O experimento foi realizado em câmara de incubação à temperatura de 27 ± 2°C. Empregou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3°C 3 (meios de cultura e regime de luminosidade) com quatro repetições. As melhores condições para o crescimento miceliano e esporulação foram conseguidas tanto no meio de cultura BDA como no MC quando combinados com o regime claro contínuo (P = 0,05).

Growth and sporulation of Metarhizium flavoviride var. Flavoviride on culture media and lighting regimes

Entomopathogenic fungi from the genus Metarhizium are largely used for the biological control of agricultural pests by conidia spreading on the field. Although conidia production is well studied in M. anisopliae, only few research studies were done in M. flavoviride. The present work was carried out alming to evaluate the Mycelial growth and sporulation of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium flavoviride var. flavoviride growing at 27 ± 2°C on Potato-dextrose-agar (PDA), Czapek-agar (CZP) and a complete agar medium (CM) under three lighting regimes, (continuous illumination, light/dark cycle and an black light/dark cycle) were investigated. A completely randomized 3 × 3 (culture media × lighting regime) factorial design with four replicates was used. The best mycelial growth and sporulation occurred on the PDA and CM media under continuous illumination (P = 0,05).

Fungos entomopatogênicos do genêro Metarhizium são empregados no controle biológico de pragas agrícolas por meio da dispersão de seus conídios no campo. Embora a produção de conídios em M. anisopliae esteja bem estudada, poucas pesquisas a respeito existem na espécie M. flavoviride. O presente trabalho foi realizado para avaliar o efeito de três meios de cultura, batata-dextrose-ágar (BDA), Czapek-ágar (CZP) e meio completo (MC), e três regimes de luminosidade, claro contínuo, alternância com luz do dia/escuro e luz negra/escuro, sobre o crescimento miceliano e esporulação do fungo entomopatogênico Metarhizium flavoviride var. flavoviride. O experimento foi realizado em câmara de incubação à temperatura de 27 ± 2°C. Empregou-se um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 3°C 3 (meios de cultura e regime de luminosidade) com quatro repetições. As melhores condições para o crescimento miceliano e esporulação foram conseguidas tanto no meio de cultura BDA como no MC quando combinados com o regime claro contínuo (P = 0,05).