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

Summary

This research demonstrates how a beneficial bacterium called Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 can fight a harmful fungus that damages crops. The bacterium produces volatile chemicals that inhibit fungal growth and shows different gene activity depending on whether these chemicals are present. When the beneficial bacteria and fungus compete together with the volatiles present, the bacteria win by producing gas bubbles and effectively stopping the fungus. These findings suggest a natural alternative to chemical fungicides for protecting crops.

Background

Kosakonia cowanii Ch1 produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with antifungal activity. Sclerotium rolfsii is a soil-borne fungus causing significant crop diseases. Understanding bacterial biocontrol mechanisms during microbial competition is essential for developing alternative disease management strategies.

Objective

To elucidate the mechanisms of K. cowanii Ch1 responses against S. rolfsii during colonization competence in the presence and absence of bacterial VOCs. To determine gene expression changes and identify key metabolic pathways involved in biocontrol efficacy.

Results

K. cowanii Ch1 achieved 80±5% mycelial growth inhibition of S. rolfsii through VOC production, with characteristic gas bubble formation. RNA-Seq revealed upregulation of genes related to siderophore-mediated iron transport, zinc ion transport, antibiotic biosynthesis, and katG in presence of VOCs. Cell-free filtrates at 36 hours showed 80% reduction in infection symptoms in chili fruits.

Conclusion

VOCs produced by K. cowanii Ch1 serve as critical modulators of colonization competence against S. rolfsii, upregulating stress response and antimicrobial gene pathways. This research provides insights into biocontrol mechanisms and supports the development of novel biological control strategies as alternatives to chemical fungicides.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13071483, PMID: 40731993
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