Isolation of an N-alkylated benzylamine derivative from Pseudomonas putida BTP1 as elicitor of induced systemic resistance in bean

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem high-resolution elevated mass spectrometry profiling of anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus metabolites from the endophytic bacteria collected from the weeds of a previous dumpsite

The culturable endophytic bacteria from the weeds Cleome rutidosperma of the family Cleomaceae and Digitaria sanguinalis of the family Poaceae obtained from a previous dumpsite in Pampanga, Philippines have been assessed for their anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) activity, and the analytes with such activity should be identified. However, due to the limited amounts collected from the isolation process, 1.8 mg yield of compound 1 from the endophyte of C. rutidosperma and 1.2 mg of a mixture from the endophyte of D. sanguinalis were selected for LC-MSE analysis. The production of compounds from the culturable endophytic bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa- determined by gene-sequencing, an untargeted and data-independent analysis (DIA) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-high resolution-elevated energy mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-MSE) technique was employed to profile the metabolites present in the two high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractions. The analytes present from P. aeruginosa detected by UHPLC-HR-MSE isolated from C. rutidosperma was phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (1), and for D. sanguinalis were chamigrenal (2), dialkyl resorcinol (3), and a pyoverdine elicitor (4). This study proves that UHPLC-HR-MSE could identify the anti-MRSA constituents in P. aeruginosa from commensal weeds C. rutidosperma and D. sanguinalis. The UHPLC-HR-MSE could help strengthen metabolomics antibacterial research and its related applications from a future perspective. Application of metabolomics research using UHPLC-HR-MSE could enhance the rehabilitation of dumpsites by the microbial community present.

A comparison of induced antiviral resistance by the phytoprotein CAP-34 and isolate P1f of the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas putida

CAP-34 is a previously reported phytoprotein isolated from Clerodendrum aculeatum (syn. Volkameria aculeata), inducing systemic antiviral resistance against plant virus infection in susceptible plants. This paper compares the resistance inducing efficacy of CAP-34 and a rhizobacterial isolate P1f on tomato (systemic) and tobacco Xanthi-nc (hypersensitive), against tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). The PGPR isolate was identified as an isolate of Pseudomonas putida through molecular and biochemical characterization, and it exhibited PGPR traits such as production of auxin and siderophore. GC-MS examination of the volatiles produced by P1f included several that are implicated in antimicrobial activity, growth promotion and induced systemic resistance. Foliar treatment of tobacco plants with P1f and CAP-34 led to an induced antiviral state in hypersensitive tobacco that persisted for 5 and 3 days, post-treatment, respectively, with a percent reduction in lesion number greater than 90. A higher accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and production of peroxidase enzyme was recorded in P1f-treated leaves, in comparison to those with CAP-34 treatment. The disease incidence in tomato plants treated with CAP-34 and P1f was 30 and 60 percent, respectively, 28dpi. A significant increase was noted in growth parameters such as number of branches and flowers in CAP-34 treated plants, while a significant enhancement in plant height and dry shoot and root weight was observed in P1f-treated set, compared to the control set. ELISA values for the presence of TMV were significantly lower in the infected tomato plants in the treated sets, as compared to the control set, with CAP-34 treatment exhibiting better results as against the P1f-treated set. In the resistant plants from either set, no viral RNA or viral coat protein was detected through RT-PCR and serology. These results suggest that CAP-34 affords more pronounced protection against virus infection compared to the rhizobacterial isolate P1f.

Plant-microbial interaction: The mechanism and the application of microbial elicitor induced secondary metabolites biosynthesis in medicinal plants

Plants and microbes interact with each other via different chemical signaling pathways. At the risophere level, the microbes can secrete molecules, called elicitors, which act on their receptors located in plant cells. The so-called elicitor molecules as well as their actions differ according to the mcirobes and induce different bilogical responses in plants such as the synthesis of secondary metabolites. Microbial compounds induced phenotype changes in plants are known as elicitors and signaling pathways which integrate elicitor's signals in plants are called elicitation. In this review, the impact of microbial elicitors on the synthesis and the secretion of secondary metabolites in plants was highlighted. Moreover, biological properties of these bioactive compounds were also highlighted and discussed. Indeed, several bacteria, fungi, and viruses release elicitors which bind to plant cell receptors and mediate signaling pathways involved in secondary metabolites synthesis. Different phytochemical classes such as terpenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids were synthesized and/or increased in medicinal plants via the action of microbial elicitors. Moreover, these compounds compounds exhibit numerous biological activities and can therefore be explored in drugs discovery.

Genetic Response of Common Bean to the Inoculation with Indigenous Fusarium Isolates

Fungal species from the genus Fusarium are important soil-borne pathogens worldwide, causing significant economic losses in diverse crops. The need to find sustainable solutions against this disease has led to the development of new strategies-for instance, the use of biocontrol agents. In this regard, non-pathogenic Fusarium isolates have demonstrated their ability to help other plants withstand subsequent pathogen attacks. In the present work, several Fusarium isolates were evaluated in climatic chambers to identify those presenting low or non-pathogenic behavior. The inoculation with a low-pathogenic isolate of the fungus did not affect the development of the plant, contrary to the results observed in plants inoculated with pathogenic isolates. The expression of defense-related genes was evaluated and compared between plants inoculated with pathogenic and low-pathogenic Fusarium isolates. Low-pathogenic isolates caused a general downregulation of several plant defense-related genes, while pathogenic ones produced an upregulation of these genes. This kind of response to low-pathogenic fungal isolates has been already described for other plant species and fungal pathogens, being related to enhanced tolerance to later pathogen attacks. The results here presented suggest that low-pathogenic F. oxysporum and F. solani isolates may have potential biocontrol activity against bean pathogens via induced and systemic responses in the plant.

Isolation and identification of induced systemic resistance determinants from Bacillus simplex Sneb545 against Heterodera glycines

Heterodera glycines is one of the most destructive pathogens of soybean. Soybean seeds coated with Bacillus simplex Sneb545 have shown resistance to H. glycines as a result of induced systemic resistance (ISR) in the plants. In this study, we aimed to identify the resistance-inducing determinants from this B. simplex strain. Combining the ISR bioassay, six ISR-active compounds were isolated from a culture of B. simplex Sneb545 using organic solvent gradient extraction, silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and all systems were based on activity tracking. The compounds were determined as cyclic(Pro-Tyr), cyclic(Val-Pro), cyclic(Leu-Pro), uracil, phenylalanine, and tryptophan using 1H NMR and 13C NMR. In plants from seeds coated with Bacillus simplex Sneb545, these six ISR-active compounds delayed the development of H. glycines in soybean roots. Moreover, cyclic(Pro-Tyr), cyclic(Val-Pro), and tryptophan reduced the number of nematodes in soybean roots. The expression levels of defense-related genes with cyclic(Val-Pro), tryptophan and uracil treatment soybean analysed using Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results indicate cyclic(Val-Pro), tryptophan and uracil induced the expression of defense-related genes involved in the SA- and JA-pathways to against H. glycines. Our research results provide new agents for the control of H. glycines.

Lesson from Ecotoxicity: Revisiting the Microbial Lipopeptides for the Management of Emerging Diseases for Crop Protection

Microorganisms area treasure in terms of theproduction of various bioactive compounds which are being explored in different arenas of applied sciences. In agriculture, microbes and their bioactive compounds are being utilized in growth promotion and health promotion withnutrient fortification and its acquisition. Exhaustive explorations are unraveling the vast diversity of microbialcompounds with their potential usage in solving multiferous problems incrop production. Lipopeptides are one of such microbial compounds which havestrong antimicrobial properties against different plant pathogens. These compounds are reported to be produced by bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi, and few other microorganisms; however, genus Bacillus alone produces a majority of diverse lipopeptides. Lipopeptides are low molecular weight compounds which havemultiple industrial roles apart from being usedas biosurfactants and antimicrobials. In plant protection, lipopeptides have wide prospects owing totheirpore-forming ability in pathogens, siderophore activity, biofilm inhibition, and dislodging activity, preventing colonization bypathogens, antiviral activity, etc. Microbes with lipopeptides that haveall these actions are good biocontrol agents. Exploring these antimicrobial compounds could widen the vistasof biological pest control for existing and emerging plant pathogens. The broader diversity and strong antimicrobial behavior of lipopeptides could be a boon for dealing withcomplex pathosystems and controlling diseases of greater economic importance. Understanding which and how these compounds modulate the synthesis and production of defense-related biomolecules in the plants is a key question—the answer of whichneeds in-depth investigation. The present reviewprovides a comprehensive picture of important lipopeptides produced by plant microbiome, their isolation, characterization, mechanisms of disease control, behavior against phytopathogens to understand different aspects of antagonism, and potential prospects for future explorations as antimicrobial agents. Understanding and exploring the antimicrobial lipopeptides from bacteria and fungi could also open upan entire new arena of biopesticides for effective control of devastating plant diseases.

Elicitor and Receptor Molecules: Orchestrators of Plant Defense and Immunity

Pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs), herbivore-associated molecular patterns (HAMPs), and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are molecules produced by microorganisms and insects in the event of infection, microbial priming, and insect predation. These molecules are then recognized by receptor molecules on or within the plant, which activates the defense signaling pathways, resulting in plant’s ability to overcome pathogenic invasion, induce systemic resistance, and protect against insect predation and damage. These small molecular motifs are conserved in all organisms. Fungi, bacteria, and insects have their own specific molecular patterns that induce defenses in plants. Most of the molecular patterns are either present as part of the pathogen’s structure or exudates (in bacteria and fungi), or insect saliva and honeydew. Since biotic stresses such as pathogens and insects can impair crop yield and production, understanding the interaction between these organisms and the host via the elicitor–receptor interaction is essential to equip us with the knowledge necessary to design durable resistance in plants. In addition, it is also important to look into the role played by beneficial microbes and synthetic elicitors in activating plants’ defense and protection against disease and predation. This review addresses receptors, elicitors, and the receptor–elicitor interactions where these components in fungi, bacteria, and insects will be elaborated, giving special emphasis to the molecules, responses, and mechanisms at play, variations between organisms where applicable, and applications and prospects.

Elicitors of Plant Immunity Triggered by Beneficial Bacteria

The molecular basis of plant immunity triggered by microbial pathogens is being well-characterized as a complex sequential process leading to the activation of defense responses at the infection site, but which may also be systemically expressed in all organs, a phenomenon also known as systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Some plant-associated and beneficial bacteria are also able to stimulate their host to mount defenses against pathogen ingress via the phenotypically similar, induced systemic resistance phenomenon. Induced systemic resistance resembles SAR considering its mechanistic principle as it successively involves recognition at the plant cell surface, stimulation of early cellular immune-related events, systemic signaling via a fine-tuned hormonal cross-talk and activation of defense mechanisms. It thus represents an indirect but efficient mechanism by which beneficial bacteria with biocontrol potential improve the capacity of plants to restrict pathogen invasion. However, according to our current vision, induced systemic resistance is specific considering some molecular aspects underpinning these different steps. Here we overview the chemical diversity of compounds that have been identified as induced systemic resistance elicitors and thereby illustrating the diversity of plants species that are responsive as well as the range of pathogens that can be controlled via this phenomenon. We also point out the need for further investigations allowing better understanding how these elicitors are sensed by the host and the diversity and nature of the stimulated defense mechanisms.

Extracts from cultures of Pseudomonas fluorescens induce defensive patterns of gene expression and enzyme activity while depressing visible injury and reactive oxygen species in Arabidopsis thaliana challenged with pathogenic Pseudomonas syringae

We evaluated the ability of metabolic elicitors extracted from Pseudomonas fluorescens N21.4 to induce systemic resistance (ISR) in Arabidopsis thaliana against the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae DC3000. Metabolic elicitors were obtained from bacteria-free culture medium with n-hexane, ethyl acetate and n-butanol in three consecutive extractions. Each extract showed plant protection activity. The n-hexane fraction was the most effective and was used to study the signal transduction pathways involved by evaluating expression of marker genes of the salicylic acid (SA) signalling pathway (NPR1, PR1, ICS and PR2) and the jasmonic acid/ethylene (JA/ET) signalling pathway (PDF1, MYC2, LOX2 and PR3). In addition, the level of oxidative stress was tested by determining the activity of enzymes related to the ascorbate-glutathione cycle. N-hexane extracts stimulated both pathways based on overexpression of ICS, PR1, PR2, PDF1 and LOX2 genes. In addition, activity of the pathogenesis-related proteins glucanase (PR2) and chitinase (PR3), lipoxygenase and polyphenol oxidase was enhanced together with an increased capacity to remove reactive oxygen species (ROS). This was associated with less oxidative stress as indicated by a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA), suggesting a causative link between defensive metabolism against P. syringae and ROS scavenging.

Characterization and abolishment of the cyclopiazonic acids produced by Aspergillus oryzae HMP-F28

Extracellular alkalinization and H₂O₂ production are important early events during induced resistance establishment in plants. In a screen for metabolites as plant resistance activators from 98 fungal isolates associated with marine sponge Hymeniacidon perleve, the cyclopiazonic acids (CPAs) produced by Aspergillus oryzae HMP-F28 induced significant extracellular alkalinization coupled with augmented H₂O₂ production in tobacco cell suspensions. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation and structural elucidation of a new CPA congener (4, 3-hydroxysperadine A) and three known ones (1-3). To construct a mutasynthetic strain to generate unnatural CPA analogues, a hybrid pks-nrps gene (cpaS) was disrupted to abolish the production of the critical precursor of cyclo-acetoacetyl-L-tryptophan (cAATrp) and all the downstream CPA products. Elimination of cAATrp will allow cAATrp mimics being processed by the CPA biosynthetic machinery to produce CPA derivatives with designed structural features.

Stereoisomers of the Bacterial Volatile Compound 2,3-Butanediol Differently Elicit Systemic Defense Responses of Pepper against Multiple Viruses in the Field

The volatile compound 2,3-butanediol, which is produced by certain strains of root-associated bacteria, consists of three stereoisomers, namely, two enantiomers (2R,3R- and 2S,3S-butanediol) and one meso compound (2R,3S-butanediol). The ability of 2,3-butanediol to induce plant resistance against pathogenic fungi and bacteria has been investigated; however, little is known about its effects on induced resistance against viruses in plants. To investigate the effects of 2,3-butanediol on plant systemic defense against viruses, we evaluated the disease control capacity of each of its three stereoisomers in pepper. Specifically, we investigated the optimal concentration of 2,3-butanediol to use for disease control against Cucumber mosaic virus and Tobacco mosaic virus in the greenhouse and examined the effects of drench application of these compounds in the field. In the field trial, treatment with 2R,3R-butanediol and 2R,3S-butanediol significantly reduced the incidence of naturally occurring viruses compared with 2S,3S-butanediol and control treatments. In addition, 2R,3R-butanediol treatment induced the expression of plant defense marker genes in the salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene signaling pathways to levels similar to those of the benzothiadiazole-treated positive control. This study reports the first field trial showing that specific stereoisomers of 2,3-butanediol trigger plant immunity against multiple viruses.

Modulation of plant chemistry by beneficial root microbiota

Beneficial root microbiota modulate plant chemistry and represent an untapped potential to discover new pathways involved in the biosynthesis of high value natural plant products.

Host-Multi-Pathogen Warfare: Pathogen Interactions in Co-infected Plants

Studies of plant-pathogen interactions have historically focused on simple models of infection involving single host-single disease systems. However, plant infections often involve multiple species and/or genotypes and exhibit complexities not captured in single host-single disease systems. Here, we review recent insights into co-infection systems focusing on the dynamics of host-multi-pathogen interactions and the implications for host susceptibility/resistance. In co-infection systems, pathogen interactions include: (i) Competition, in which competing pathogens develop physical barriers or utilize toxins to exclude competitors from resource-dense niches; (ii) Cooperation, whereby pathogens beneficially interact, by providing mutual biochemical signals essential for pathogenesis, or through functional complementation via the exchange of resources necessary for survival; (iii) Coexistence, whereby pathogens can stably coexist through niche specialization. Furthermore, hosts are also able to, actively or passively, modulate niche competition through defense responses that target at least one pathogen. Typically, however, virulent pathogens subvert host defenses to facilitate infection, and responses elicited by one pathogen may be modified in the presence of another pathogen. Evidence also exists, albeit rare, of pathogens incorporating foreign genes that broaden niche adaptation and improve virulence. Throughout this review, we draw upon examples of co-infection systems from a range of pathogen types and identify outstanding questions for future innovation in disease control strategies.

Bioprospecting endophytic diazotrophic Lysinibacillus sphaericus as biocontrol agents of rice sheath blight disease

The present study tried to explore the possible in vitro biocontrol mechanisms of Lysinibacillus sphaericus, a diazotrophic endophyte from rice against the rice sheath blight pathogen Rhizoctonia solani. The in vivo biocontrol potential of the isolate and the induction of systemic resistance under greenhouse conditions have also been experimented employing different treatments with positive control carbendazim, the chemical fungicide. The endophytic isolate showed 100% growth inhibition of the fungal pathogen via volatile organic compound production and was positive for the production of siderophores, biosurfactants, HCN, and ammonia. Under greenhouse conditions, foliar and soil application of L. sphaericus significantly decreased the percentage of disease incidence. All bacterized treatments are superior to chemical fungicide treatment. Application of L. sphaericus in single and combination treatments induces systemic resistance as evident from the significant accumulation of defense enzymes such as peroxides, polyphenol oxides and phenylalanine ammonia in addition to the increase of phenolic compounds. The results biologically prospect endophytic diazotroph L. sphaericus as a potent plant growth promoter with excellent biocontrol efficiency.

Phenylacetic Acid Is ISR Determinant Produced by Bacillus fortis IAGS162, Which Involves Extensive Re-modulation in Metabolomics of Tomato to Protect against Fusarium Wilt

Bacillus fortis IAGS162 has been previously shown to induce systemic resistance in tomato plants against Fusarium wilt disease. In the first phase of current study, the ISR determinant was isolated from extracellular metabolites of this bacterium. ISR bioassays combined with solvent extraction, column chromatography and GC/MS analysis proved that phenylacetic acid (PAA) was the potential ISR determinant that significantly ameliorated Fusarium wilt disease of tomato at concentrations of 0.1 and 1 mM. In the second phase, the biochemical basis of the induced systemic resistance (ISR) under influence of PAA was elucidated by performing non-targeted whole metabolomics through GC/MS analysis. Tomato plants were treated with PAA and fungal pathogen in various combinations. Exposure to PAA and subsequent pathogen challenge extensively re-modulated tomato metabolic networks along with defense related pathways. In addition, various phenylpropanoid precursors were significantly up-regulated in treatments receiving PAA. This work suggests that ISR elicitor released from B. fortis IAGS162 contributes to resistance against fungal pathogens through dynamic reprogramming of plant pathways that are functionally correlated with defense responses.

Bio-based resistance inducers for sustainable plant protection against pathogens

An increasing demand for environmentally acceptable alternative for traditional pesticides provides an impetus to conceive new bio-based strategies in crop protection. Employing induced resistance is one such strategy, consisting of boosting the natural plant immunity. Upon infections, plants defend themselves by activating their immune mechanisms. These are initiated after the recognition of an invading pathogen via the microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) or other microbe-derived molecules. Triggered responses inhibit pathogen spread from the infected site. Systemic signal transport even enables to prepare, i.e. prime, distal uninfected tissues for more rapid and enhanced response upon the consequent pathogen attack. Similar defense mechanisms can be triggered by purified MAMPs, pathogen-derived molecules, signal molecules involved in plant resistance to pathogens, such as salicylic and jasmonic acid, or a wide range of other chemical compounds. Induced resistance can be also conferred by plant-associated microorganisms, including beneficial bacteria or fungi. Treatment with resistance inducers or beneficial microorganisms provides long-lasting resistance for plants to a wide range of pathogens. This study surveys current knowledge on resistance and its mechanisms provided by microbe-, algae- and plant-derived elicitors in different crops. The main scope deals with bacterial substances and fungus-derived molecules chitin and chitosan and algae elicitors, including naturally sulphated polysaccharides such as ulvans, fucans or carageenans. Recent advances in the utilization of this strategy in practical crop protection are also discussed.

Cyclic dipeptides produced by fungus Eupenicillium brefeldianum HMP-F96 induced extracellular alkalinization and H2O 2 production in tobacco cell suspensions

Extracellular alkalinization and H2O2 production are important early events during induced systemic resistance (ISR) establishment in plants. In a screen for metabolites as potential ISR activators from 98 fungal isolates associated with marine sponge Hymeniacidon perleve, the crude metabolites of fungus Eupenicillium brefeldianum HMP-F96 induced significant extracellular alkalinization coupled with H2O2 production in tobacco cell suspensions. A combined bioactivity and (1)H NMR-guided fractionation approach was used to disclose the chemical determinants responsible for the activities. Eight cyclic dipeptides were purified from the fermentation broth of the strain and were structurally characterized by NMR and MS experiments. This study represents the first report of the occurrence of cyclic dipeptides in E. brefeldianum and of their activities of inducing extracellular alkalinization and H2O2 production in tobacco cell suspensions.

Field evaluation of the bacterial volatile derivative 3-pentanol in priming for induced resistance in pepper

Plants are defended from attack by emission of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can act directly against pathogens and herbivores or indirectly by recruiting natural enemies of herbivores. However, microbial VOC have been less investigated as potential triggers of plant systemic defense responses against pathogens in the field. Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain IN937a, a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium that colonizes plant tissues, stimulates induced systemic resistance (ISR) via its emission of VOCs. We investigated the ISR capacity of VOCs and derivatives collected from strain IN937a against bacterial spot disease caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vesicatoria in pepper. Of 15 bacterial VOCs and their derivatives, 3-pentanol, which is a C8 amyl alcohol reported to be a component of sex pheromones in insects, was selected for further investigation. Pathogens were infiltrated into pepper leaves 10, 20, 30, and 40 days after treatment and transplantation to the field. Disease severity was assessed 7 days after transplantation. Treatment with 3-pentanol significantly reduced disease severity caused by X. axonopodis and naturally occurring Cucumber mosaic virus in field trials over 2 years. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain analysis to examine Pathogenesis-Related genes associated with salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and ethylene defense signaling. The expression of Capsicum annuum Pathogenesis-Related protein 1 (CaPR1), CaPR2, and Ca protease inhibitor2 (CaPIN2) increased in field-grown pepper plants treated with 3-pentanol. Taken together, our results show that 3-pentanol triggers induced resistance by priming SA and JA signaling in pepper under field conditions.

Reprogramming of fatty acid and oxylipin synthesis in rhizobacteria-induced systemic resistance in tomato

The rhizobacterium Pseudomonas putida BTP1 stimulates induced systemic resistance (ISR) in tomato. A previous work showed that the resistance is associated in leaves with the induction of the first enzyme of the oxylipin pathway, the lipoxygenase (LOX), leading to a faster accumulation of its product, the free 13-hydroperoxy octadecatrienoic acid (13-HPOT), 2 days after Botrytis cinerea inoculation. In the present study, we further investigated the stimulation of the oxylipin pathway: metabolites and enzymes of the pathway were analyzed to understand the fate of the 13-HPOT in ISR. Actually the stimulation began upstream the LOX: free linolenic acid accumulated faster in P. putida BTP1-treated plants than in control. Downstream, the LOX products 13-fatty acid hydroperoxides esterified to galactolipids and phospholipids were more abundant in bacterized plants than in control before infection. These metabolites could constitute a pool that will be used after pathogen attack to produce free fungitoxic metabolites through the action of phospholipase A2, which is enhanced in bacterized plants upon infection. Enzymatic branches which can use as substrate the fatty acid hydroperoxides were differentially regulated in bacterized plants in comparison to control plants, so as to lead to the accumulation of the most fungitoxic compounds against B. cinerea. Our study, which is the first to demonstrate the accumulation of an esterified defense metabolite during rhizobacteria-mediated induced systemic resistance, showed that the oxylipin pathway is differentially regulated. It suggests that this allows the plant to prepare to a future infection, and to respond faster and in a more effective way to B. cinerea invasion.

Systemic resistance induced by Bacillus lipopeptides in Beta vulgaris reduces infection by the rhizomania disease vector Polymyxa betae

The control of rhizomania, one of the most important diseases of sugar beet caused by the Beet necrotic yellow vein virus, remains limited to varietal resistance. In this study, we investigated the putative action of Bacillus amylolequifaciens lipopeptides in achieving rhizomania biocontrol through the control of the virus vector Polymyxa betae. Some lipopeptides that are produced by bacteria, especially by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, have been found to induce systemic resistance in plants. We tested the impact of the elicitation of systemic resistance in sugar beet through lipopeptides on infection by P. betae. Lipopeptides were shown to effectively induce systemic resistance in both the roots and leaves of sugar beet, resulting in a significant reduction in P. betae infection. This article provides the first evidence that induced systemic resistance can reduce infection of sugar beet by P. betae.

Plant growth in Arabidopsis is assisted by compost soil-derived microbial communities

Plants in natural and agricultural environments are continuously exposed to a plethora of diverse microorganisms resulting in microbial colonization of roots and the rhizosphere. This process is believed to be accompanied by an intricate network of ongoing simultaneous interactions. In this study, we examined Arabidopsis thaliana roots and shoots in the presence or absence of whole microbial communities extracted from compost soil. The results show a clear growth promoting effect on Arabidopsis shoots in the presence of soil microbes compared to plants grown in microbe-free soil under otherwise identical conditions. Element analyses showed that iron uptake was facilitated by these mixed microbial communities which also led to transcriptional downregulation of genes required for iron transport. In addition, soil microbial communities suppressed the expression of marker genes involved in nitrogen uptake, oxidative stress/redox signaling, and salicylic acid (SA)-mediated plant defense while upregulating jasmonate (JA) signaling, cell wall organization/biosynthesis and photosynthesis. Multi-species analyses such as simultaneous transcriptional profiling of plants and their interacting microorganisms (metatranscriptomics) coupled to metagenomics may further increase our understanding of the intricate networks underlying plant-microbe interactions.

Elicitation of secondary metabolism in Hypericum perforatum by rhizosphere bacteria and derived elicitors in seedlings and shoot cultures

CONTEXT

Hypericum perforatum L. (Guttiferae) appears as an alternative treatment to mild and moderate depression and been traditionally used as a health enhancer based on the phytochemicals hyperforin and hypericin. However, field grown medicinal plants show variable levels of phytopharmaceuticals depending on environmental conditions. Elicitation is a good strategy to trigger secondary metabolism.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the ability of 6 rhizobacterial strains to trigger secondary metabolism in H. perforatum seedlings and molecular elicitors from the most effective strain N5.18 were tested in shoot cultures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hypericin and pseudohypericin were determined on seedlings and shoot cultures by HPLC. Three putative elicitors from bacterial culture media were assayed in three different concentrations.

RESULTS

Strain N5.18 significantly increased hypericin up to 1.2 ppm and pseudohypericin up to 3.4 ppm, over controls (0.3 and 2.5 ppm, respectively) when delivered to seedlings. In shoot cultures, only pseudohypericin was detected (168.9 ppm) and significant increases were observed under the different elicitors, reaching values of 3164.8 ppm with small elicitors in the middle concentration.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Secondary metabolism in plants is highly inducible due to its role in plant communication and defense. Our findings demonstrate that some beneficial bacterial strains are able to trigger secondary metabolism in H. perforatum plants when delivered through the roots and bacterial determinants released to culture media are able to reproduce the effect in shoot cultures. Therefore, these elicitors have great potential to enhance phytopharmaceutical production.

Genome-Wide Characterization of ISR Induced in Arabidopsis thaliana by Trichoderma hamatum T382 Against Botrytis cinerea Infection

In this study, the molecular basis of the induced systemic resistance (ISR) in Arabidopsis thaliana by the biocontrol fungus Trichoderma hamatum T382 against the phytopathogen Botrytis cinerea B05-10 was unraveled by microarray analysis both before (ISR-prime) and after (ISR-boost) additional pathogen inoculation. The observed high numbers of differentially expressed genes allowed us to classify them according to the biological pathways in which they are involved. By focusing on pathways instead of genes, a holistic picture of the mechanisms underlying ISR emerged. In general, a close resemblance is observed between ISR-prime and systemic acquired resistance, the systemic defense response that is triggered in plants upon pathogen infection leading to increased resistance toward secondary infections. Treatment with T. hamatum T382 primes the plant (ISR-prime), resulting in an accelerated activation of the defense response against B. cinerea during ISR-boost and a subsequent moderation of the B. cinerea induced defense response. Microarray results were validated for representative genes by qRT-PCR. The involvement of various defense-related pathways was confirmed by phenotypic analysis of mutants affected in these pathways, thereby proving the validity of our approach. Combined with additional anthocyanin analysis data these results all point to the involvement of the phenylpropanoid pathway in T. hamatum T382-induced ISR.

The bacterial lipopeptide surfactin targets the lipid fraction of the plant plasma membrane to trigger immune-related defence responses

The lipopeptide surfactin secreted by plant-beneficial bacilli has crucial biological functions among which the ability to stimulate immune-related responses in host tissues. This phenomenon is important for biological control of plant diseases but its molecular basis is still poorly understood. In this work, we used various approaches to study the mechanism governing the perception of this biosurfactant at the plant cell surface. Combining data on oxidative burst induction in tobacco cells, structure/activity relationship, competitive inhibition, insertion kinetics within plant membranes and thermodynamic determination of binding parameters on model membranes globally indicates that surfactin perception relies on a lipid-driven process at the plasma membrane level. Such a sensor role of the lipid bilayer is quite uncommon considering that plant basal immunity is usually triggered upon recognition of microbial molecular patterns by high-affinity proteic receptors.

Insights into the defense-related events occurring in plant cells following perception of surfactin-type lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis

Multiple strains of Bacillus subtilis were demonstrated to stimulate plant defense responses, and cyclic lipopeptides may be involved in the elicitation of this induced systemic resistance phenomenon. Here, we further investigated molecular events underlying the interaction between such lipopeptides and plant cells. Addition of surfactin but not fengycin or iturin in the micromolar range to tobacco cell suspensions induced defense-related early events such as extracellular medium alkalinization coupled with ion fluxes and reactive oxygen species production. Surfactin also stimulated the defense enzymes phenylalanine ammonia lyase and lipoxygenase and modified the pattern of phenolics produced by the elicited cells. The occurrence of these surfactin-elicited early events is closely related to Ca(2+) influx and dynamic changes in protein phosphorylation but is not associated with any marked phytotoxicity or adverse effect on the integrity and growth potential of the treated tobacco cells. Reduced activity of some homologues also indicates that surfactin perception is dictated by structural clues in both the acyl moiety and cyclic peptide part. Our results suggest that these molecules could interact without irreversible pore formation but in a way sufficient to induce disturbance or transient channeling in the plasma membrane that can, in turn, activate a biochemical cascade of molecular events leading to defensive responses. The present study sheds new light not only on defense-related events induced following recognition of amphiphilic lipopeptides from Bacillus spp. but also more globally on the way elicitors from beneficial bacteria can be perceived by host plant cells.

Plant immune responses triggered by beneficial microbes

Beneficial soil-borne microorganisms, such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, can improve plant performance by inducing systemic defense responses that confer broad-spectrum resistance to plant pathogens and even insect herbivores. Different beneficial microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) are recognized by the plant, which results in a mild, but effective activation of the plant immune responses in systemic tissues. Evidence is accumulating that systemic resistance induced by different beneficials is regulated by similar jasmonate-dependent and ethylene-dependent signaling pathways and is associated with priming for enhanced defense.

Amino acids, iron, and growth rate as key factors influencing production of the Pseudomonas putida BTP1 benzylamine derivative involved in systemic resistance induction in different plants

The biological control bacterium Pseudomonas putida BTP1 exerts its protective effect mostly by inducing an enhanced state of resistance in the host plant against pathogen attack [induced systemic resistance (ISR)]. We previously reported that a specific compound derived from benzylamine may be involved in the elicitation of the ISR phenomenon by this Pseudomonas strain. In this article, we provide further information about the N,N-dimethyl-N-tetradecyl-N-benzylammonium structure of this determinant for ISR and show that the benzylamine moiety may be important for perception of the molecule by root cells of different plant species. We also investigated some regulatory aspects of elicitor production with the global aim to better understand how in situ expression of these ISR elicitors can be modulated by physiological and environmental factors. The biosynthesis is clearly related to secondary metabolism, and chemostat experiments showed that the molecule is more efficiently produced at low cell growth rate. Interestingly, the presence of free amino acids in the environment is necessary for optimal production, and a specific positive effect of phenylalanine was evidenced in pulsed continuous cultures. The influence of other abiotic factors, such as mineral content, oxygen concentration, or pH, on elicitor production is also reported and discussed with respect to the specific conditions that the producing strain undergoes in the rhizosphere environment.

Plant defence signalling induced by biotic attacks

Induced defence responses are elicited when plants are exposed to biotic stresses such as attack by herbivores or pathogens. In nature, plants are often subjected to attack by more than one organism, and defence responses elicited by one organism can thereby be modified by the presence of another. Below-ground attack can influence responses to above-ground attack and vice versa, due to systemic induction of defence metabolism. In some interactions defence is enhanced through prior attack by another organism, whereas in others there are conflicting signals. Recent research has shown how plants integrate these signals to coordinate defence by regulation of key metabolic pathways, although there is still much to be learnt.

Interactions between plants and beneficial Pseudomonas spp.: exploiting bacterial traits for crop protection

Specific strains of fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. inhabit the environment surrounding plant roots and some even the root interior. Introducing such bacterial strains to plant roots can lead to increased plant growth, usually due to suppression of plant pathogenic microorganisms. We review the modes of action and traits of these beneficial Pseudomonas bacteria involved in disease suppression. The complex regulation of biological control traits in relation to the functioning in the root environment is discussed. Understanding the complexity of the interactions is instrumental in the exploitation of beneficial Pseudomonas spp. in controlling plant diseases.

Induced Systemic Resistance by Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp

ABSTRACT Fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. have been studied for decades for their plant growth-promoting effects through effective suppression of soilborne plant diseases. The modes of action that play a role in disease suppression by these bacteria include siderophore-mediated competition for iron, antibiosis, production of lytic enzymes, and induced systemic resistance (ISR). The involvement of ISR is typically studied in systems in which the Pseudomonas bacteria and the pathogen are inoculated and remain spatially separated on the plant, e.g., the bacteria on the root and the pathogen on the leaf, or by use of split root systems. Since no direct interactions are possible between the two populations, suppression of disease development has to be plant-mediated. In this review, bacterial traits involved in Pseudomonas-mediated ISR will be discussed.

Role of the cyclic lipopeptide massetolide A in biological control of Phytophthora infestans and in colonization of tomato plants by Pseudomonas fluorescens

Pseudomonas strains have shown promising results in biological control of late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans. However, the mechanism(s) and metabolites involved are in many cases poorly understood. Here, the role of the cyclic lipopeptide massetolide A of Pseudomonas fluorescens SS101 in biocontrol of tomato late blight was examined. Pseudomonas fluorescens SS101 was effective in preventing infection of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) leaves by P. infestans and significantly reduced the expansion of existing late blight lesions. Massetolide A was an important component of the activity of P. fluorescens SS101, since the massA-mutant was significantly less effective in biocontrol, and purified massetolide A provided significant control of P. infestans, both locally and systemically via induced resistance. Assays with nahG transgenic plants indicated that the systemic resistance response induced by SS101 or massetolide A was independent of salicylic acid signalling. Strain SS101 colonized the roots of tomato seedlings significantly better than its massA-mutant, indicating that massetolide A was an important trait in plant colonization. This study shows that the cyclic lipopeptide surfactant massetolide A is a metabolite with versatile functions in the ecology of P. fluorescens SS101 and in interactions with tomato plants and the late blight pathogen P. infestans.

Redox-active pyocyanin secreted by Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7NSK2 triggers systemic resistance to Magnaporthe grisea but enhances Rhizoctonia solani susceptibility in rice

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 7NSK2 induces resistance in dicots through a synergistic interaction of the phenazine pyocyanin and the salicylic acid-derivative pyochelin. Root inoculation of the monocot model rice with 7NSK2 partially protected leaves against blast disease (Magnaporthe grisea) but failed to consistently reduce sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani). Only mutations interfering with pyocyanin production led to a significant decrease in induced systemic resistance (ISR) to M. grisea, and in trans complementation for pyocyanin production restored the ability to elicit ISR. Intriguingly, pyocyanin-deficient mutants, unlike the wild type, triggered ISR against R. solani. Hence, bacterial pyocyanin plays a differential role in 7NSK2-mediated ISR in rice. Application of purified pyocyanin to hydroponically grown rice seedlings increased H202 levels locally on the root surface as well as a biphasic H202 generation pattern in distal leaves. Co-application of pyocyanin and the antioxidant sodium ascorbate alleviated the opposite effects of pyocyanin on rice blast and sheath blight development, suggesting that the differential effectiveness of pyocyanin with respect to 7NSK2-triggered ISR is mediated by transiently elevated H202 levels in planta. The cumulative results suggest that reactive oxygen species act as a double-edged sword in the interaction of rice with the hemibiotroph M. grisea and the necrotroph R. solani.

Multiple determinants influence root colonization and induction of induced systemic resistance by Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6

SUMMARY Colonization of the roots of tobacco by Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 induces systemic resistance to the soft-rot pathogen, Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovara SCC1. A screen of the transposon mutants of P. chlororaphis O6 showed mutants with about a fivefold reduction in ability to induce systemic resistance to the soft-rot disease. These mutations disrupted genes involved in diverse functions: a methyl-accepting chemotaxis protein, biosynthesis of purines, phospholipase C, transport of branched-chain amino acids and an ABC transporter. Additional mutations were detected in the intergenic spacer regions between genes encoding a GGDEF protein and fumarate dehydratase, and in genes of unknown function. The mutants in the ABC transporters did not display reduced root colonization. However, the other mutants had up to 100-fold reduced colonization levels. Generally the production of metabolites important for interactions in the rhizosphere, phenazines and siderophores, was not altered by the mutations. A reduced induction of systemic resistance by a purine biosynthesis mutant with a disrupted purM gene correlated with poor growth rate, lesser production of phenazines and siderophore and low levels of root colonization. These studies showed that multiple determinants are involved in the induction of systemic resistance, with there being a requirement for strong root colonization.

GacS-dependent production of 2R, 3R-butanediol by Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 is a major determinant for eliciting systemic resistance against Erwinia carotovora but not against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci in tobacco

Root colonization by a plant-beneficial rhizobacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6, induces disease resistance in tobacco against leaf pathogens Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora SCC1, causing soft-rot, and Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci, causing wildfire. In order to identify the bacterial determinants involved in induced systemic resistance against plant diseases, extracellular components produced by the bacterium were fractionated and purified. Factors in the culture filtrate inducing systemic resistance were retained in the aqueous fraction rather than being partitioned into ethyl acetate. Fractionation on high-performance liquid chromatography followed by nuclear magnetic resonance mass spectrometry analysis identified the active compound as 2R, 3R-butanediol. 2R, 3R butanediol induced systemic resistance in tobacco to E. carotovora subsp. carotovora SCC1, but not to P. syringae pv. tabaci. Treatment of tobacco with the volatile 2R, 3R-butanediol enhanced aerial growth, a phenomenon also seen in plants colonized by P. chlororaphis O6. The isomeric form of the butanediol was important because 2S, 3S-butandiol did not affect the plant. The global sensor kinase, GacS, of P. chlororaphis O6 was a key regulator for induced systemic resistance against E. carotovora through regulation of 2R, 3R-butanediol production. This is the first report of the production of these assumed fermentation products by a pseudomonad and the role of the sensor kinase GacS in production of 2R, 3R-butanediol.