Bacillus subtilis Edible Films for Strawberry Preservation: Antifungal Efficacy and Quality at Varied Temperatures

Fungal infestations, particularly from Rhizopus stolonifer, pose significant post-harvest challenges for strawberries, compromising their shelf life and quality. Traditional preservation methods, including refrigeration, offer limited protection against such pathogens. This study introduces an innovative approach, utilizing edible films infused with Bacillus subtilis strains GOS 01 B-67748 and HFC 103, known for their antifungal properties. We demonstrate that these bioactive films not only inhibit fungal growth effectively but also enhance the preservation of strawberries at varying temperatures. The inclusion of Bacillus subtilis in edible films represents a significant advancement in extending the viability of strawberries, surpassing the efficacy of conventional methods. Our findings suggest a promising avenue for natural, safe food preservation techniques, aligning with current consumer preferences for additive-free products. This research contributes to the broader understanding of microbial-based food preservation strategies, offering potential applications across a range of perishable commodities.

Serratia sp., an endophyte of Mimosa pudica nodules with nematicidal, antifungal activity and growth-promoting characteristics

In the present study, the nematicidal activity of an isolated strain of Mimosa pudica nodules was evaluated against the Nacobbus aberrans (J2) phytonymatodes with a mortality of 88.8%, while against the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus (L3) and free-living Panagrellus redivivus was 100%. The ability to inhibit the growth of phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium sp., and Alternaria solani, as well as the oomycete Phytophthora capsici, this antifungal activity may be related to the ability to produce cellulases, siderophores and chitinases by this bacterial strain. Another important finding was the detection of plant growth promoter characteristics, such as auxin production and phosphate solubilization. The strain identified by sequences of the 16S and rpoB genes as Serratia sp. is genetically related to Serratia marcescens and Serratia nematodiphila. The promoter activity of plant growth, antifungal and nematicide of the Serratia sp. strain makes it an alternative for the biocontrol of fungi and nematodes that affect both the livestock and agricultural sectors, likewise, candidate as a growth-promoting bacterium.

Presence of Meloidogyne enterolobii on Jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) in Sinaloa, Mexico

Meloidogyne enterolobii (Me) is an emerging root-knot nematode (RKN) and the most important worldwide for its high aggressiveness and increasing geographical distribution. In Mexico only in watermelon and tomato has been reported. Here we report the presence of this nematode in Jalapeño pepper collected in the state of Sinaloa. The morphological and morphometric characteristics of the second-stage juveniles and adult females were similar to those described for Me. DNA sequencing and alignment analysis (BLAST/GenBank) showed that the SCAR and rDNA IGS2 fragments had a 99 % of identity, with Me DNA sequences present in the database. The results obtained indicate that the RKN detected corresponds to M. enterolobii. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this nematode in chilli pepper in this region of Mexico, considered of major economic importance for the variety of vegetables grown and the extension of the area sown.

Defense gene expression in root galls induced by Nacobbus aberrans in CM334 chilli plants

Capsicum annuum L. CM334 is susceptible to Nacobbus aberrans but highly resistant to Phy-tophthora capsici. Resistance to P. capsici is associated with the over-expression of various defense genes such as those encoding pathogenesis-related proteins. The transcriptional alterations of defense-related genes were determined in galls induced by N. aberrans (Na) in CM334 chili roots. Transcripts accumulation of WRKY-a, WRKY1, POX (peroxidase), PR-1 (pathogenesis-related protein 1), and EAS (5-epiaristolochene synthase) was estimated by qRT-PCR, and they were compared with those recorded in the incompatible CM334- P. capsici (Pc) interaction. The levels of all studied genes were significantly (P s 0.05) lower (WRKY1, POX and PR-1) or down-regulated (WRKY-a and EAS) in the presence of N. aberrans; in contrast, in the incompatible interaction, all genes were significantly up-regulated. The alterations induced by N. aberrans could be necessary to ensure the successful completion of its life cycle in CM334 chili roots.