Introduction of a putative biocontrol agent into a range of phytoplasma- and liberibacter-susceptible crop plants

Bois noir management in vineyard: a review on effective and promising control strategies

Among grapevine yellows, Bois noir (BN), associated with 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani', represents the biggest threat in the main wine-growing areas worldwide, causing significant losses in berry quality and yields. BN epidemiology involves multiple plant hosts and several insect vectors, making considerably complex the development of effective management strategies. Since application of insecticides on the grapevine canopy is not effective to manage vectors, BN management includes an integrated approach based on treatments to the canopy to make the plant more resistant to the pathogen and/or inhibit the vector feeding, and actions on reservoir plants to reduce possibilities that the vector reaches the grapevine and transmit the phytoplasma. Innovative sustainable strategies developed in the last twenty years to improve the BN management are reviewed and discussed.

Evaluation of the biocontrol activity of Frateuria defendens-derived metabolites against mollicutes

Frateuria defendens is a candidate biocontrol agent that has been shown to reduce phytoplasma-related disease symptoms in grapevines and periwinkle plants. While a crude filtrate prepared from F. defendens can inhibit mollicute growth, the specific growth parameters for this bacterium, necessary to enhance this protective inhibitory response, remain unknown. Moreover, the separation of filtrate preparations from bacterial cells via centrifugation and filtration is laborious and time-consuming. As such, the present study was conducted to define the optimal growth conditions associated with maximal inhibitory activity of F. defendens and to establish a better approach to separating these bacterial cells from their secreted metabolites. To conduct these analyses, F. defendens was cultured in a range of media types, while associated inhibitory effects were tested in vitro using Spiroplasma melliferum as a model mollicute bacterium, and in planta using phytoplasma-infected periwinkle plantlets. These analyses revealed F. defendens growth patterns change based upon media composition, with filtrates prepared from a specific rich medium (S-medium) exhibiting beneficial activities, including the inhibition of S. melliferum and enhanced plant growth. When F. defendens cells were grown within semi-permeable, membrane-coated Small Bioreactor Platform (SBP) capsules, they could be more readily separated from the secreted metabolite fraction, obviating the need for filtration and/or centrifugation. This study is the first to have reported the use of SBP capsules to separate bacterial cells from their secreted metabolites under sterile conditions while retaining the ability of these metabolites to inhibit S. melliferum growth and to benefit the host plant. The results highlight promising new approaches to the effective biocontrol of phytoplasma-driven diseases in grapevines and other economically important plant species.

Seed-Derived Microbial Community of Wild Cicer Seedlings: Composition and Augmentation to Domesticated Cicer

Seed-borne bacteria are a unique group of microorganisms capable of maintaining stable populations within plant tissues and seeds. These bacteria may benefit their host from germination to maturation and are of great interest for basic and applied plant-microbe interaction studies. Furthermore, many such beneficial bacteria present in wild plant species are missing in their respective congeneric domesticated forms. The objectives of this study were to explore the bacterial communities within the seeds of wild Cicer species and to select beneficial bacteria which could be used to improve production of domesticated chickpea (C. arietinum). We analyzed the composition of seed-borne bacteria of chickpea (Cicer spp.), comparing wild and domesticated species from different geographic locations. Subsequently, we isolated the dominant and prevalent seed-borne bacteria from wild Cicer judaicum and assessed their ability to colonize and affect the growth of domesticated chickpea and other legume crops. The composition and structure of seed-borne bacteria, determined by amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, differed between wild and domesticated chickpea and varied among geographic locations. The genus Burkholderia dominated samples from domesticated chickpea at all examined sites, while Bacillus or Sphingomonas dominated cultures isolated from wild C. judaicum, dependent on geographic location. A particular Bacillus strain, Bacillus sp. CJ, representing the most prevalent bacterium in wild C. judaicum, was further isolated. Bacillus sp. CJ, applied by seed coating, successfully inhabited domesticated chickpea plants and improved plant growth parameters. These results demonstrate the potential for reconstructing the microbiota of crop plants using the wild microbiota reservoir.

IMPORTANCE Chickpea (garbanzo bean, hummus, Cicer arietinum) representing the third legume crop produced globally. As is the case for many other domesticated crops, the adaptation and resistance of chickpea to biotic and abiotic stresses is inferior compared to that of their wild progenitors and relatives. Re-establishing desirable characteristics from wild to domesticated species may be achieved by reconstructing beneficial microbiota. In this study, we examined the seed-associated microbiota of both wild and domesticated chickpea and applied isolated beneficial bacteria originating from wild Cicer judaicum to domesticated chickpea by seed coating. This isolate, Bacillus sp. CJ, was successfully established in the crop and enhanced its growth, demonstrating effective and efficient manipulation of the chickpea microbiota as a potential model for future application in other crop plants.

Hydrolytic Profile of the Culturable Gut Bacterial Community Associated With Hermetia illucens

Larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens (L.) convert organic waste into high valuable insect biomass that can be used as alternative protein source for animal nutrition or as feedstock for biodiesel production. Since insect biology and physiology are influenced by the gut microbiome, knowledge about the functional role of BSF-associated microorganisms could be exploited to enhance the insect performance and growth. Although an increasing number of culture-independent studies are unveiling the microbiota structure and composition of the BSF gut microbiota, a knowledge gap remains on the experimental validation of the contribution of the microorganisms to the insect growth and development. We aimed at assessing if BSF gut-associated bacteria potentially involved in the breakdown of diet components are able to improve host nutrition. A total of 193 bacterial strains were obtained from guts of BSF larvae reared on a nutritious diet using selective and enrichment media. Most of the bacterial isolates are typically found in the insect gut, with major representatives belonging to the Gammaproteobacteria and Bacilli classes. The hydrolytic profile of the bacterial collection was assessed on compounds typically present in the diet. Finally, we tested the hypothesis that the addition to a nutritionally poor diet of the two isolates Bacillus licheniformis HI169 and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia HI121, selected for their complementary metabolic activities, could enhance BSF growth. B. licheniformis HI169 positively influenced the larval final weight and growth rate when compared to the control. Conversely, the addition of S. maltophilia HI121 to the nutritionally poor diet did not result in a growth enhancement in terms of larval weight and pupal weight and length in comparison to the control, whereas the combination of the two strains positively affected the larval final weight and the pupal weight and length. In conclusion, we isolated BSF-associated bacterial strains with potential positive properties for the host nutrition and we showed that selected isolates may enhance BSF growth, suggesting the importance to evaluate the effect of the bacterial administration on the insect performance.

Prickly Ash Seed Kernel: A New Bio-Fumigation Material Against Tobacco Black Shank

The present study evaluated the fumigant effect and potential mechanisms of Chinese prickly ash seed kernel (PSK) against tobacco black shank caused by Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan. The results showed that PSK fumigant increased the soil organic matter, hydrolysable nitrogen, available potassium, and total phosphorus significantly, while the pH was decreased. Application of 2% PSK promoted plant growth, with higher plant height, root length, and dry weight compared to those in the treatment with no PSK. Both in vitro and in vivo tests indicated that PSK fumigant effectively inhibited mycelial growth of P. nicotianae, and significantly reduced the severity of tobacco black shank. Based on the analysis of volatiles in PSK by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 28 components were identified, among which monoterpenes were the major components (accounting for 79.46% of peak area). Among the six top components, linalool, piperitone, sabinene, and limonene exhibited strong mycelial inhibition of P. nicotianae. Linalool was the most effective with an IC50 value of 18.03 μL/L. Results of GC-MS revealed that the main components of PSK extract were cis-Vaccenic acid (40.81%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (15.67%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- (15.25%), Ethanone-1-(2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)- (10.32%), cis-9-Hexadecenoic acid (6.21%), and Psilocin (11.75%). Among them, Ethanone-1-(2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)- and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- have an obvious inhibitory effect on P. nicotianae. Additionally, changes in soil bacterial and fungal communities were observed. The relative abundance of some microbes, such as Pseudomonas, Azospirillum, Thermomonas, Glutamicibacter, Dyella, and Trichoderma, increased, which have many beneficial microbes in these genera, indicating that microbial community shift could be one of the important outcomes of the PSK fumigant effect. In conclusion, PSK could be a new bio-fumigation material against plant soilborne pathogens, which can function as both a fungicide and fertilizer.

Antimicrobial Activity of Metabolites Secreted by the Endophytic Bacterium Frateuria defendens

Candidatus Phytoplasma, the causative agent of yellows disease, inflicts substantial damage on several hundred plant species including perennials and annual plants. The endophytic bacterium Frateuria defendens reduces the symptoms of yellows disease in a number of agricultural crops. One possible mode of action is that the bacterium secretes antimicrobial metabolites. To test this hypothesis, the substances secreted by the endophyte during 10 days of growth in an artificial medium were identified by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Synthetic analogues to these substances were then used on periwinkle, a nurse culture plant infected by phytoplasma. Phytoplasma quantities were evaluated by quantitative PCR, and disease symptoms were monitored and recorded. It was found that specific compounds identified by the biochemical analysis caused a significant reduction in both the titer of phytoplasma and the disease symptoms in periwinkle when compared to untreated infected plants. Further research is required to examine the potential of these compounds as an effective treatment against yellows disease.

The Role of the Endophytic Microbiome in the Grapevine Response to Environmental Triggers

Endophytism within Vitis represents a topic of critical relevance due to the multiple standpoints from which it can be approached and considered. From the biological and botanical perspectives, the interaction between microorganisms and perennial woody plants falls within the category of stable relationships from which the plants can benefit in multiple ways. The life cycle of the host ensures persistence in all seasons, repeated chances of contact, and consequent microbiota accumulation over time, leading to potentially high diversity compared with that of herbaceous short-lived plants. Furthermore, grapevines are agriculturally exploited, highly selected germplasms where a profound man-driven footprint has indirectly and unconsciously shaped the inner microbiota through centuries of cultivation and breeding. Moreover, since endophyte metabolism can contribute to that of the plant host and its fruits' biochemical composition, the nature of grapevine endophytic taxa identities, ecological attitudes, potential toxicity, and clinical relevance are aspects worthy of a thorough investigation. Can endophytic taxa efficiently defend grapevines by acting against pests or confer enough fitness to the plants to endure attacks? What are the underlying mechanisms that translate into this or other advantages in the hosting plant? Can endophytes partially redirect plant metabolism, and to what extent do they act by releasing active products? Is the inner microbial colonization necessary priming for a cascade of actions? Are there defined environmental conditions that can trigger the unleashing of key microbial phenotypes? What is the environmental role in providing the ground biodiversity by which the plant can recruit microsymbionts? How much and by what practices and strategies can these symbioses be managed, applied, and directed to achieve the goal of a better sustainable viticulture? By thoroughly reviewing the available literature in the field and critically examining the data and perspectives, the above issues are discussed.

Frateuria defendens sp. nov., bacterium isolated from the yellows grapevine's disease vector Hyalesthes obsoletus

A Dyella-like bacterium was previously isolated from the planthopper Hyalesthes obsoletus (Hemiptera). Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain DHo^T was assigned to the family Rhodanobacteraceae with Dyella and Frateuria as its closest relatives. The closest 16S rRNA gene sequences were Frateuria aurantia DSM 6220^T (98.2 %), Dyella thiooxydans ATSB10^T (98 %), Dyella terrae JS14-6^T (97.8 %) and Dyella marensis CS5-B2^T (97.8 %). Strain DHo^T is a Gram-negative, aerobic, motile, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterium. Strain DHo^T cells grew well at 28-30 °C and at pH 6.5-7.5 on a nutrient agar plate. DNA-DNA hybridization showed that the relatedness between strain DHo^T and D. jiangningensis strain SBZ3-12^T, and F. aurantia DSM 6220^T was 42.7 and 42.6 %, respectively. Ubiquinone Q-8 was the predominant respiratory quinone, and the major fatty acids (>10 %) were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and iso-C17 : 0. In silico analysis based on phylogenetics and sequence identity at the nucleotide and protein levels suggests that Frateuria is the closest known relative of strain DHo^T. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain DHo^T was designated as a novel species of the genus Frateuria, for which the name Frateuria defendens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DHo^T (=NCCB 100648^T; =DLB^T=DSM 106169^T).

'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' Is Tightly Associated with Carrot Yellows Symptoms in Israel and Transmitted by the Prevalent Psyllid Vector Bactericera trigonica

Carrot yellows disease has been associated for many years with the Gram-positive, insect-vectored bacteria, 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' and Spiroplasma citri. However, reports in the last decade also link carrot yellows symptoms with a different, Gram-negative, insect-vectored bacterium, 'Ca. Liberibacter solanacearum'. Our study shows that to date 'Ca. L. solanacearum' is tightly associated with carrot yellows symptoms across Israel. The genetic variant found in Israel is most similar to haplotype D, found around the Mediterranean Basin. We further show that the psyllid vector of 'Ca. L. solanacearum', Bactericera trigonica, is highly abundant in Israel and is an efficient vector for this pathogen. A survey conducted comparing conventional and organic carrot fields showed a marked reduction in psyllid numbers and disease incidence in the field practicing chemical control. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and scanning electron microscopy analyses further support the association of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' with disease symptoms and show that the pathogen is located in phloem sieve elements. Seed transmission experiments revealed that while approximately 30% of the tested carrot seed lots are positive for 'Ca. L. solanacearum', disease transmission was not observed. Possible scenarios that may have led to the change in association of the disease etiological agent with carrot yellows are discussed. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2018 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .