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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 studied how a beneficial bacterium called K. cowanii fights against a harmful soil fungus (S. rolfsii) that damages crops like chili peppers. The bacterium produces special smelly compounds (VOCs) that kill the fungus. When these compounds are present, the bacterium activates specific genes that help it produce substances to protect itself and inhibit fungal growth. This research could help farmers use natural biocontrol instead of chemical fungicides.

Background

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

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the mechanisms of K. cowanii Ch1 responses against S. rolfsii during colonization competence interactions in the presence and absence of bacterial VOCs. The research sought to determine gene expression changes and identify key biocontrol mechanisms.

Results

K. cowanii Ch1 achieved 80±5% mycelial growth inhibition of S. rolfsii in the presence of VOCs, with characteristic gas bubble production. RNA-Seq revealed differential expression of genes related to siderophore-mediated iron transport, zinc ion transport, antibiotic biosynthesis, and catalase (katG). Cell-free filtrates at 36 hours showed 80% reduction of infection symptoms in vivo.

Conclusion

VOCs produced by K. cowanii Ch1 act as key modulators of stress responses enabling competitive colonization against S. rolfsii. The identified gene expression patterns and VOC profiles provide insights for developing novel biocontrol strategies as alternatives to chemical fungicides in agricultural applications.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 40731993
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