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Volatile Metabolome and Transcriptomic Analysis of Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 During Competitive Interaction with Sclerotium rolfsii Reveals New Biocontrol Insights

Summary

Researchers found that a bacterium called K. cowanii produces special gases (volatile organic compounds) that kill fungal plant diseases like those caused by Sclerotium rolfsii. When grown together with this fungus, the bacterium produces these toxic gases which inhibit fungal growth by up to 80%. The study identified specific genes the bacteria activate to produce these antifungal compounds, offering a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Background

Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 is a bacterium capable of producing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal properties. Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne fungus causing significant crop diseases. Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial biocontrol through VOC production could provide alternatives to chemical fungicides.

Objective

To elucidate the mechanisms by which K. cowanii Ch1 competes against S. rolfsii during colonization, specifically examining whether bacterial VOCs enhance competitive interactions and identifying gene expression changes during microbial interactions.

Results

K. cowanii Ch1 achieved 80±5% mycelial growth inhibition of S. rolfsii in the presence of VOCs but failed to compete in their absence. RNA-Seq revealed 388 upregulated genes in absence of VOCs (stress response) and 35 upregulated genes in presence of VOCs (iron transport, antibiotic biosynthesis). Cell-free filtrates at 36 hours showed 80% infection reduction on chili fruits.

Conclusion

Bacterial VOCs are critical modulators of K. cowanii Ch1 competence against S. rolfsii, triggering specific metabolic pathways including siderophore production and antibiotic biosynthesis. These findings provide molecular insights for developing novel biocontrol strategies as alternatives to chemical fungicides.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40731993, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13071483
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